UBF: Another divide-and-rule bid by BN

The United Borneo Front (UBF) sees the newly formed Kadazandusun Murut Association Malaysia (KDM Malaysia) as just another divide-and-rule attempt by the Barisan Nasional (BN).

Its chairman Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who said this, also believes KDM Malaysia was formed for the political interests of certain individuals or party in the BN instead of the KDM community itself.

"To me it (KDM Malaysia) is a political non-governmental organisation.

It is meant for the political interests of certain individuals or party than the KDM community itselfÉit is just another divide-and-rule attempt," he said, Thursday.

KDM Malaysia was registered as an NGO on Sept 8, on the advice of the Prime Minister as mentioned by its president Datuk John Ambrose, and plans to get actively involved in assisting the BN to ensure victory in the coming 13th General Election.

It is applying to join BN as an affiliate member, like the United Sabah Bajau Organisation.

So far KDM Malaysia claims to have 20,000 members and is targeting to have 50,000 by year end.

Ambrose, who is also Penampang Umno division chief, also said that KDM Malaysia is aimed at helping the hardcore poor obtain PPRT houses, help resolve problems faced by the people, especially those in rural areas as well as help the KDMs succeed in the various fields, among others.

Asked whether KDM Malaysia will become some kind of a rival to the UBF, Kitingan felt the only competition will be within the BN itself, that is with those BN components also fighting for KDM interests.

"Go and ask Pairin and Dompok how they feel (about the KDM Malaysia)Éto us (UBF) we do not see KDM Malaysia as a competition because we are open to everybody," he said.

Story arrangement By: Sabah Admin

Sources: UBF

Picture: Google Image

UBF's Nila denies Sedomon's house used for anti-government activities

 United Borneo Front co-founder, Nilakrisna James, dismissed the allegations by one of her uncles that her grandfather's house, Rumah Besar, in Bingkor, was used on Sept 16 for anti-government activities.

She said she found it amusing that her noble intentions during the day have been misconstrued.

"As one of 17 owners of the house I have every right to celebrate a party with invited family and friends at my own cost," she said in a statement.

She was responding to a statement by Justin Sedomon, the eldest son of OKK Sedomon Gunsanad.

She said the people who came that day were invited not for their political affiliation but because she enjoyed their company.

"It was an open invitation made in the newspaper and the whole State was made aware of this in several news releases," she said.

She said the UBF is a non-partisan civil rights movement and not a political party.

She said it is time to embrace the reality that opposition leaders are just as capable as Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders.

"They have every right to be accorded the same level of respect and hospitality when invited to people's homes and parties."

"I believe that in the next election, it is absolutely possible for Musa Aman to shake Yong Teck Lee's hands and for Najib to shake the hands of Anwar Ibrahim," Nilakrisna said in a statement.

"I have made a very clear stand in UBF and Upko that I stand on the side of the Barisan Nasional."

She explained that her friendship with the leaders of SAPP and other opposition parties will not stop just because of "my intention to one day lead the State as a BN leader".

"If there is anything wrong with that then I believe it is for the leader of the Barisan Nasional, the Prime Minister, to make a party policy on the issue which should be publicly stated.

"If I don't agree with a Barisan Nasional issue I will make it very clear in my press statements.

Meanwhile, SAPP Vice President Datuk Chua Soon Bui said UBF was welcome to use SAPP as its vehicle in the coming election.

She said SAPP as a party together with UBF as an NGO have organised seminars and dialogues lately and they have found that both share the same mission and vision for the people of Sabah, including autonomy for the State.

"We found that, we are very close along that mission," she said while asked to comment about the rumours that UBF led by Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan will be joining SAPP.

Chua who is also Tawau MP hoped that eventually an agreement can be reach between these political players, especially Pakatan Rakyat (PR) because SAPP doesn't want to marginalise any Sabah based-party.

Sources: Daily Express Sabah

UBF mark M'sia Day with ritual

United Borneo Front (UBF) celebrated Malaysia Day here on Sept 16 by carrying out a ritual on the "Oath Stone" at the compound of District Office.

UBF President Datuk Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan headed the group involving Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Interior Zone, Bersama Party (formerly known as Parti Setia) head by Shuhaidin Langkap and their followers totalling 200.

They pledged loyalty to the promises engraved on the "Oath Stone" (Batu Sumpah).

Dr Jeffrey said such activity would be made an annual event so as to commemorate the anniversary of Sabah role in the formation of Malaysia in 1963. "The young generations who were not yet born during the formation of Malaysia should be given the opportunity and be informed on historical facts that involved Sabah in the formation.

"Not only that...the pledges of promises by the interior people as engraved on the 'Oath Stone' and the contents which are similar to the 20-Point Agreement must be respected," he said.

After the official ritual, the group headed in a convoy to interior areas like visiting Sodomon's house, here, Tambunan, Ranau, Telupid and Tongod.

Daily Express - UBF

UBF's suggestion was shrugs off by MUSA

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman on Sunday shrugged off United Borneo Front (UBF) Chairman Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan's suggestion to limit the terms of the Prime Minister, Menteri Besar and Chief Ministers to a maximum of two.

"They are entitled to their opinions," he said when met after attending the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at Maksak Hall, here.

Musa, who is also State Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman, declined further comment on the matter.

Jeffrey had said that Malaysia should emulate the examples of developed nations and not follow the footsteps of nations that have a history of long serving leaders with reputation for tyranny and dictatorship.

He also said the country should continually evolve with a proper succession of leaders so that new ideas for growth and development can be implemented and generations can enhance old policies with new ones.

Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Deputy President, Senator Chin Su Phin, later said the UBF's call merits serious consideration.

He, however, disagreed that the same policy should be imposed for the Prime Minister post.

Chin said limiting the tenure of the Prime Minister to two terms would render it inadequate to see results of the implemented policies.

Instead, he said, the Prime Minister post should be for three terms.

Meanwhile, Musa, in thanking PBS President Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and party leaders for inviting him to attend the celebration, said it was a good platform for everyone to foster relationship.

Also on hand were State Cabinet Ministers, PBS Supreme Council members and leaders as well as representatives from the State BN component parties.

Daily Express Newspaper Sabah.

CM Two Term Only?

Voice Up SABAHAN!!!!


United Borneo Front (UBF) on Wednesday called on the Federal Government to create a national policy that all Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers vacate their positions and make way for new faces after a maximum of two terms.

Its Chairman, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, said they should emulate the examples of developed nations.

"We should not follow the footsteps of nations who have a history of long serving leaders with a reputation for tyranny and dictatorship.

"This nation should continually evolve with a proper succession of leaders so that new ideas for growth and development can be implemented and generations can enhance old policies with new ones.

"If the PM and CM roles are allowed to refresh after every two terms, entire generations will not be bypassed in the decision making process.

"This is the basis of good governance and is the first step towards the elimination of possessive greed and dominance and cronyism," he said.

He said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman should set a good example by vacating his position before the next election as he has served two terms.

To this, he applauded the views of Upko leadership in making way for new leaders to rise within the ranks.

"With so many political party components in Sabah alone, Umno should not assume that they have a right to monopolise the Chief Minister's position.

"There is no rule in place that says that the next general election should automatically set an Umno leader for the State Cabinet leadership.

"In fact, local-based political parties should represent their State and be given priority over Federal based parties," he said.

Dr Jeffrey said the State Government has autonomy in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and as such should decide policies for the benefit of the State first and foremost.

He said that if the State Cabinet leaders are mere proxies of the Federal political parties, they would naturally prioritise Federal needs.

On other issues, he suggested that if extra parliamentary and state seats were allocated to Sabah, these should be divided equitably between local based parties.

"If we wish to increase Sabah and Sarawak's voice to cover 35 per cent in Parliament, that 35 per cent should be MPs from local based parties and not Federal based parties.

"They are more likely to prioritise Borneo's position in this country," he said. Good governance, Dr Jeffrey said, also means that elected candidates have the integrity to resign from their ministerial positions if they hopped parties after the people has elected them.

"If the people mandated you to win under one ticket, you should have the integrity to step down and go for a by-election if you then decide to rule as a leader under a different ticket.

"This is simply cheating the people of their voting choices," he said.


Story Arrangement By: Sabah Todays Admin
Sources: Daily Express Newspaper
Picture: Google Image
Direct Link: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=79132