Kadazandusun leaders unite

(From left) Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, (kiri) Presiden Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and (tengah), Presiden Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Bersatu (UPKO), Tan Sri Bernard Dompok are committed to boosting the people’s confidence in Barisan Nasional in Sabah ahead of the general election, at a meeting in Kota Kinabalu yesterday.

COMMON GOAL: Kadazandusun-based BN parties commit to stronger coalition

 KOTA KINABALU: Three Kadazandusun-based Barisan Nasional parties have come together to enhance their cooperation to retain the people's mandate in the 13th general election.

Leaders of the three parties that hold six parliamentary and 19 state seats in the state met over the weekend and presented a common goal of strengthening the coalition ahead of the polls

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They were Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Tan Sri Bernard Dompok of United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun and Murut Organisation (Upko) and Tan Sri Joseph Kurup of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).

The official joint commitment was the first for the three party presidents since 1994 when Dompok and Kurup left PBS and charted their own political direction.

Pairin, who is also deputy chief minister, said the meeting was a positive move in fostering ties among the indigenous communities that support the three BN component parties.

"Hopefully, this understanding and cooperation among us could boost the people's confidence in BN in Sabah and we will make sure it lasts," he said after the three leaders presented RM4.5 million worth of incentives to churches here on Sunday evening.

Dompok, who is also Plantation Industry and Commodities Minister, said the pact was good in unifying component parties so that they could better serve the people.

"The latest development will show the people how the Kadazandusun-based parties in the BN could unite in facing the opposition and allow them to judge who has the ability to look after their needs.

"We had cooperated before but did not give it much focus. In the past, we had met other BN component leaders to find ways to resolve issues. This cooperation strengthens our existing relationship and it can only be good for the BN and the people."

Kurup, who is Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister, said cooperation between the parties would help position Sabah BN on a stronger foundation.

"With the 13th general election coming, it is important for us to ensure we will win the seats to be contested by all the three parties."

PBS left the BN coalition in 1990 but rejoined in 2002. Dompok and Kurup were senior leaders in PBS between 1985 and 1994 but left to form their own parties to join BN.

Read more: Kadazandusun leaders unite - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/kadazandusun-leaders-unite-1.220910#ixzz2LIquQwAy