Beware of empty promises

KIULU, March 8 (Daily Express) -- Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan says the people should accept the development plans being implemented and reject the opposition’s promises, saying these could probably not be carried out.

Now is not the time for a change of government as the country’s leadership under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is actively carrying out poverty eradication development projects, he said.

“The opposition can promise all sorts of changes but at the same time the government has implemented and is implementing the changes the opposition are talking about,” he said when launching a district-level nation-building seminar here recently ketua anak negeri, wakil ketua anak negeri, ketua kampung and JKKK chairmen.

The one-day seminar, organised by Biro Tatanegara Malaysia Sabah branch, heard two papers – on independence and educational development – discussed.

Also present were Assistant Youth and Sports Minister Jahid Jahim, Tuaran MP Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) assistant secretary-general Daniel Kinsik and Biro Tatanegara director Ibrahim Saad.

Speaking to reporters after the launch, Pairin, who is also Rural Development Minister, said the government endeavours to ensure all development programmes achieve their targets.

“With such efforts, we can show that we not only talk about changes but implement them as well, unlike the opposition who can only talk and make promises,” he said.

On PBS’ hope of getting more seats in the coming general election, Pairin said: “That’s a political question, it’s not appropriate for me to comment here as we have certain channels to discuss every issue.

“However, we (in PBS) are collecting data from each area for discussion within the Barisan Nasional family.”