PBS: Anyone touching on Sabah rights faced ISA during Dr M’s era

(FMT) – Acting PBS president Maximus Ongkili warns Sabahans against falling for Sabah Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto, saying ex-BN leaders did nothing in their time.

A senior Sabah Barisan Nasional leader and federal minister has criticised the 22-year rule of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad as oppresive to the point that anyone talking about the state’s rights risked being arrested.

Acting Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Maximus Ongkili said this when commenting on Sabah Pakatan Harapan’s promises in its manifesto launched recently.

“Mahathir was prime minister for 22 years. Why didn’t he implement a second deputy prime minister’s post for Sabah and Sarawak then?” Borneo Post quoted Maximus as saying at an event in his parliamentary constituency of Kota Marudu yesterday.

Maximus, who is energy, green technology and water minister said that back when Mahathir was prime minister, between 1981 and 2003, it was taboo to talk about MA63 and the 20 Points.

“To do so was to end up in jail under the ISA (Internal Security Act), and I was one of the victims who spent 59 days in detention under the infamous Act,” Maximus was quoted as saying by the Sarawak-based daily.

He was referring to the Sabah PH manifesto called New Deal for Sabah, which focuses on fair oil rights, fair basic infrastructure and land development, quality education, as well as empowerment of youths, women and minorities, among other things.

Maximus said the manifesto was simply meant to attract votes and nothing more.

“They are selling oil to grab the people’s interest. Don’t fall for it.

“They are not worth listening to. They didn’t deliver those goodies when they had a chance while in government,” he was quoted as saying by Borneo Post.

He described Pakatan Harapan’s grand promises such as protecting state rights, upholding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and offering the nation’s number two post for Sabah and Sarawak as “a pie in the sky”.

“The people need to hear the correct messages of what the BN government is doing for the rakyat.

“Never allow yourself to fall victim to the opposition’s propaganda,” Maximus said.