We have done well because BN has led well

Sokongan padu yang diberikan oleh persatuan atau pertubuhan perniagaan Sabah kepada kerajaan Barisan Nasional tidak boleh dipandang ringan oleh parti-parti pembangkang negeri ini. Badan profesional ini yang banyak menyumbang kepada pembangunan ekonomi negeri Sabah, lebih tahu atau merasai sendiri kehebatan kepimpinan Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dan Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman berbanding dengan ahli-ahli politik pembangkang. 

Rakyat pada kebiasaanya juga lebih mudah terpengaruh dengan "kempen" dari badan-badan profesional yang terlibat secara langsung dalam aktiviti membangunkan negara berbanding dengan kempen pembangkang yang banyak menimbulkan suasana huru-hara di negara ini. Mungkin kenyataan-kenyataan di bawah ini boleh membuatkan pemimpin-pemimpin pembangkang tidak senang hati, meluat atau menyampah,, namun bagi rakyat, kenyataan-kenyataan berikut akan membuatkan mereka berfikir banyak kali sebelum memberikan undi kepada mana-mana pembangkang di negara/negeri ini...

MUNGKIN ARTIKEL INI AGAK PANJANG SEDIKIT, NAMUN BERBALOI UNTUK DIRENUNG-RENUNGKAN SEBELUM TURUN MENGUNDI ESOK!!

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah business and Chinese community leaders have called for continued support for the Barisan Nasional so that it will continue to govern the country. 

The Federation of Sabah Manufacturers says the business community in the state should be grateful to the BN government for bringing about progress, business activities and the state’s economic growth. 

Its president Datuk Wong Khen Thau says the Sabah business community had benefited from the healthy federal-state relationship, without which, there can be no progress and development to Sabah. 

The FSM, he says, wishes to commend Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for his foresight in coming up with various initiatives and programmes to assist the people including the business communities in Malaysia. 

“Of course there is still much to be done in terms of creating more conducive environment for businesses in Sabah but I believe the government is heading in the right direction,” he says. 

And, Wong also thanked the federal government under the leadership of Najib for setting up ESSCOM (Eastern Sabah ecurity Command) and the deployment of more security personnel following the armed intrusion in Lahad Datu recently. 

He says this reflects the sincere concern of the Prime Minister for the Sabah business community as well as the rakyat. 

“The Sabah business community is grateful that a sense of normalcy had been restored very quickly following the intrusion,” he says. 

Wong added that FSM also endorses the leadership of Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman for his great foresight and dynamic leadership that had benefited the Sabah business community and hope this business-friendliness will exist at all times for the sake of the state’s progress and development. 

“FSM and other Sabah trade chambers and associations are thankful that the government have been sensitive to the plight of its members, and had extended cooperation whenever needed,” he says. 

He also said the state government supports measures to reduce the cost of doing business in Sabah, including highlighting the adverse effects of the infamous Cabotage policy to federal leaders. 

The BN, he said says, has maintained a close relationship and cooperation with the private sectors – a factor that matters most to the business communities. 

According to him, the government under the leadership of Musa had consistently supported the biennial Sabah International Expo (SIE), reflecting the Chief Minister’s wish to see Sabah businesses and products receive exposure and flourish. 

“On behalf of the landowners and members, we once again express our gratitude to the state government for the approval of their land lease extension. 

“The landowners can finally breathe a sigh of relief with the recent approval of the lease extension and have been able to get on with their business plans,” Wong added. 

The Sabah branch head of the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Datuk A. Arulpragasam says the Prime Minister has done much in terms of his Economic Transformation and Government Transformation Programmes to increase the country’s capacity building in various economic sectors as well as in the administration of the government. 

“MICCI believes the BN is on the right track in terms of paving the way for opportunities in business and for more investments to come into the country. 

“All this while, the government has created a politically and socially stable environment for the economy to develop and enable businesses the opportunity to grow in tandem,” he said. 

He said MICCI also welcomed the quick action taken by the Prime Minister in setting up of ESSCOM headed by Musa who is also the State Security Committee chairman. 

“This has brought back the confidence of the tourism industry as well as business investors. We also pay tribute to our security forces and the civil administration in the handling of the security situation,” he said. 

Arulpragasam also acknowledged that the Sabah government’s coffers had never been so healthy and that the state’s performance is something the business world can look up to. 

“MICCI has a very good working relationship with the state government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Musa, who has been most supportive in all our business activities. 

“And, the assistance and advice given by the state and the Chief Minister to SIE had been tremendous, enabling the SIE to grow in structure with over 20 countries taking part in the Expo,“ he said. 

He also said the Chief Minister was instrumental in pushing for the International Convention Centre to be built soon in order to raise SIE to the next level and enable MICE activities to flourish in the state. 

“MICCI believes that there is no need to rock the boat. It has been sailing fine, overcoming even stormy weather,” he said. 

The Federation of Chinese Associations of Sabah (FCAS) acting president, Datuk TC Goh said they are solidly behind the BN under the leadership of Najib and Musa. 

“We are looking forward to the continued service of Najib as Prime Minister and see his transformation programmes come to fruition so that Malaysia can move forward and achieve greater success,” he says. 

He praised the Prime Minister for acting swiftly in dealing with the intrusion in Lahad Datu recently. 

“We are fortunate to have a government under Najib who acted quickly and managed to bring the situation under control and ensuring our security and the country’s sovereignty remain guarded,” he said. 

Goh also said the Sabah Chief Minister has done a great job in managing the state as reflected in the state’s much-improved finances as well as the ongoing vibrant economic and infrastructure developments in the state. 

“It is only appropriate that on behalf of the Chinese community in Sabah I thank the BN government, under the dynamic leadership of Musa for continuously supporting us, especially in the aspects of education, culture, sports and religious developments. 

“Last year the state government gave RM37 million in assistance to Chinese schools, temples and associations. It was the largest allocation given to date,’ he said. 

He added that Musa understands the needs of the Chinese community and the annual allocation amounting to millions of ringgit has proven the Sabah government’s commitment to assist the Chinese community. 

Goh who is also president of the Federation of Hokkien Associations of Sabah and Labuan FT also said the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrants in Sabah has demonstrated the determination and commitment of the BN Government to correct whatever flaws that existed in the system. 

“Hence, I am urging the people to continue supporting the BN government in the coming general election”. 

Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) president Michael Lui Yen Sang foresees the state continuing to progress under the BN. 

He says Sabah’s financial position is stronger than ever with strong state reserves. 

“Last year’s figures are proof of foreign interest in the state. The RM10 billion mark in foreign investments achieved by Sabah in the first quarter of last year alone proved that the state is on the right track,” he said. 

He also said it was the highest in the country at the time and the significant growth is a clear indication of the strength of the state’s administration and socioeconomic development. 

And Michael attributes his confidence in BN to the leadership quality of Najib and Musa. 

“Najib is very focused in terms of policies and initiatives as well as on which direction needs to be taken to take Malaysia to greater heights. 

“And, Musa understands the needs of the business community here. Afterall he has entrepreneurial skills since he was a businessman before,” he adds. 

The KKCCCI, he says welcomes the double-digit drop in poverty because the great decrease in poverty rate means more people have money to spend which is good for business and the state’s economy in general. 

The chamber, he assures, will continue to play its role accordingly and support every initiative made by the government. 

Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president Bonipasius Bianis says they acknowledged and fully support the leadership of Najib and Musa to spearhead the country and state towards realising Vision 2020. 

“KCCI is privileged and grateful to have the full support of Najib and Musa. The Prime Minister wants to see the Kadazandusun Murut prosper and excel in their business endeavour through the Economic Transformation Programme,” he says. 

Bonipasius adds that at the state level, Musa has brought positive changes in terms of economic development and improving the people’s welfare. 

The Chief Minister, he says has been quick to adopt and make changes in the state’s administration in line with the Economic Transformation Programme introduced by the federal government. 

He also says that credit must go to the implementation of the poverty eradication programmes and projects meant to improve the income and well-being of the people. 

“The drastic drop in poverty rate shows the effectiveness of these programmes, which had enabled those who previously did not have the means to now being able to afford essential items for their families,” he says. 

He adds that as a result, many among the KDM businessmen have benefited directly or indirectly from these programmes. 

“This is what we are looking for in a leader and I believe this is what the business community wants to see. A well-planned, well-coordinated and successful implementation of programmes on the ground,” he points out. 

The BN government is good for business and Sabah’s economy is set for a more robust performance under the leadership of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister. 

The president of the Sabah Malay Chamber of Commerce (DPMM) Datuk Awang Buthamam Ag Mahmun said the transformation programmes introduced by the Prime Minister has shown results in lifting the standard of living of the people of Malaysia. 

He also says the implementation of the Economic Transformation Programme will spearhead economic development in the country, including Sabah. 

“It will pave the way for more opportunities for Bumiputera businesses and allow greater participation in the mainstream economy,” he says. 

He also says Najib has been very attentive to Sabah’s development needs – channeling billions of ringgit to improve Sabah’s infrastructure and programmes to uplift the people’s well-being. 

“The Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia, Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia, Klinik Rakyat 1Malaysia and other initiatives will certainly assist the people especially with the rising cost of living,” he says. 

He also points out Sabah’s achievements speaks volume of Musa’s capability in helming the state and as such, he (Musa) should be given another opportunity to lead the state government. 

Buhthamam says the accumulation of more than RM3 billion in the state coffers, the RM4.088 billion state budget, the conversion of more than half a million hectares of land for issuance of communal titles were testimony to Musa’s ability to lead. 

“DPMM wants BN to continue administering this country because it has given everyone regardless of race and religion the opportunity to work, do business and have a better quality of life,” he says. 

Sabah Women’s Advisory Council (SWEPA) president Hanna Wong Abdullah meanwhile commends the BN government for increasing the opportunities for women. 

She says both the federal and state governments under BN have paved the way for women to have a stronger voice and to have more opportunities to showcase their skills and abilities in top decision-making positions. 

“This has led to more women contributing to our state and nation economically. We have done well because BN has led well,” she says. 

She says SWEPA’s existence will not be a reality if not for the foresight of the state government in embracing the importance of the role of women in the society and in contributing to the economy. 

She adds that SWEPA will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year “and we have been working closely with the state government, especially the Chief Minister all this while”. 

“We are indeed grateful for his time and support when we organised the Wellness Journey Conference & Exhibition in . And in 2012, again the support was fantastic. 

“The topic was understood by Datuk Seri to be so important that the government sponsored 100 women from 20 women NGOs to attend that conference,” she reveals. 

Hanna says SWEPA therefore fully supports the BN and wants its good work to continue.

--NEW SABAH TIMES