PKR dares Upko to leave the BN

Kota Kinabalu: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) on Wednesday dared Upko President Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, to give meaning to his words rather than beat about the bush every time the party is bullied and isolated by Barisan Nasional (BN).

PKR State Liaison Deputy Chairman, Daniel John Jambun, said Dompok and Upko were so openly dissatisfied with BN's ways of handling Sabah and Sarawak matters, and yet they just sulk each time they are told to leave.

"Quit BN, don't just threaten, you have been bullied time and again. You have been forever airing your dissatisfactions of not being heard by BN, but why do you continue to stay with those who are bullying you?" he asked.

Daniel said if Dompok and Upko honestly feel that they are not heard or respected enough on Sabah matters, they should know what to do by now, that is to leave BN just like what SAPP did.

"Look, remember when you (Upko) were speaking up for the Kadazan people in Kg Maang, Penampang, you were bluntly told by Umno leaders to leave BN.

"If Dompok really fights for the people of Sabah, as he claimed, he should leave Umno-led BN tomorrow. If not, the people could read that Dompok and his Upko merely followed Umno's wish, and not the people's wishÉ" he said, adding that Upko coalescing and collaborating with Umno would eventually erode any confidence in that party.

- Daily Express, November 6, 2008

Upko Youth takes Masidi to task

Penampang: Upko Youth has expressed disappointment with Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun who described the party's stand on the Federal Government and Petronas decision to proceed with the Kimanis-Bintulu gas pipeline as childish, emotional and merely making noises.

"Upko Youth wing is shocked with the statement from a leader like him, especially as a Sabah Cabinet member," said its Information Chief, Monih Epin.

Monih in a statement, Wednesday, said as a leader Masidi should be more concerned and sensitive to the Sabah people's need apart from remembering that the Barisan Nasional would face the people again in 2012.

He underlined five factors for Upko Youth to make a strong stand on the matter, namely, leadership integrity, low oil royalty, development of oil and gas industry in Sabah as catalyst to the State's economic growth and lackadaisical attitude of Petronas to develop the industry in Sabah.

"This is a major issue for Sabah and it will influence support for the BN in the next General Election.

Based on this principle and factor we in Upko Youth call for the Kimanis-Bintulu gas pipeline to be scrapped," he said.

-Daily Express, November 6, 2008