|
KENYATAAN AKHBAR PAS NEGERI SABAH PRESS RELEASE The Editor, 15.1.2000 Dear Sir, PAS Sabah refers to the various statements made by BN leaders and Mayor-designate for KK City relating to the prevailing squatter problems. The latest of such statements were published in your esteemed newspaper today, 15.1.2000. PAS Sabah regretted the attitude of BN leaders for trying to make a blanket assumption that all squatters are illegal inhabitants and that all squatter areas do not qualify for gazetting as traditional kampungs. This attitude truly reflects the true colour of 'post-election' BN leaders. Pre-election time the BN leaders made all sort of promises to alleviate the plight and to please the squatters and went to the extent of even channeling subsidies for the supply of electricity and water pipes to them. The squatters were also assured that if they vote for BN candidates in their respective areas, their place of squatting will be approved as a kampung settlement. But as election time had passed by and the BN leaders have secured the squatters' votes and formed the government, the issue of resolving the squatters' woes took another opposite dimension. The squatters were told that they will face eviction to pave way for development projects. For those who were fated with the present tragic event - fire blaze in Kg. Lembaga Padi and Pulau Gaya- they will not be allowed to rebuild their houses by the authorities. Is this decision a kind of gesture from BN leaders to the squatters as render for the votes they (the squatters) have given? To give a fair comment to the squatters, I have this much to say: 'Blame yourselves for the decision you have made in reinstating the BN government. What the BN leaders are doing now - going against your interest -are as a result of your own 'shares' in the ballot boxes in the past election.' We in the opposition have been constantly reminding you of the need for a new government, a government that have the people's interest at their heart, or at least a strong opposition representative that will actively and strongly fight for the cause of the people. But all this went unheeded simply because we couldn't provide you with all the goodies as being done by the BN leaders. PAS Sabah reiterates its call to the BN government to make a distinction between squatters of illegal inhabitants and that of the indigenous people that have resided and occupied State land for centuries.They must be allowed to continue with their tradition of living in a kampung atmosphere as this will enhance their bond of neighbourhood. An example of
the BN's government harsh action towards the indigenous
squatters was demonstrated in the demolition of their
houses in Kg. Matabian in Kota Kinabalu several years
ago. This proved to the people that the BN leaders only
cared to give away lands to investors but adopted a
'couldn't careless attitude' on its own people. HAMZAH
HJ. ABDULLAH |
|---|
|