Pairin refutes general election rumours

TAWAU, February 10 (Daily Express) -- Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said all quarters should strive to complement the Government's efforts to eliminate abject poverty in Sabah by the year 2010.

Speaking in a press conference after visiting Pasar Tanjung Friday, he said the Government had been working hard to achieve the objective, such as through the Felda scheme, as well as development programmes on Pulau Bangi and in Pitas, among others, under the various government departments and agencies.

He hoped these development projects could be smoothly implemented this year.

Pairin, who is also Rural Development Minister, refuted rumours that his visit here had something to do with the "imminent general election", saying this was an annual affair to meet local BN leaders in the district, especially in view of the coming Chinese New Year festivity.

His visit was also basically to hear the views of the local traders in order to resolve problems confronting them, and to improve the relationship between the leaders and the local community, he added.

On another note, Pairin said the Government was equally concerned on indiscriminate price hikes of essential goods, with stern action against errant traders.