Salleh: Government always listened to views involving the rights of Sabahans
KOTA KINABALU: The government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak is always ready to listen to various views from the people who are fighting for the rights of Sabah.
However, Minister of Communications and Multimedia Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said the people, especially Sabahans, must be matured in their approach when putting forward their views and opinion and be united in their approach.
"Our current Prime Minister is very open to suggestions and always listened to the people. That is why we have set up a committee for Sabah and also Sarawak to look at the main areas of concern that have become a topic of discussion in the states.
"Obviously the federal government will study all the views and recommendations put forward by the committee. This shows that the federal government adopts a very open concept with us (Sabahans)," he told reporters after launching a book titled 'Kod 1963' which relates to the formation of Malaysia, here today.
Salleh said the openness enables the government to listen to different views and opinions of the people, including the opposition.
"This is a symbol of democracy practiced in the country. We must therefore, respect the views of others. At the same time the differing opinions or views must be tactfully handled so that it would not jeorpardise the efforts to develop the people and the country.
"In a democratic system there will certainly be an election and the people are given the right to choose a party that will lead them with their own manifesto. In Barisan Nasional, every time an election is held, we will make sure the rights of the people of Sabah is protected," he said.
Speaking of the book that was launched today, Salleh said the author of the book, Musli Oli, had written on issues related to the formation of Malaysia, especially the struggle to uphold the rights of Sabah, in a different perspective and a must read for all Malaysians.
Reading the book would enlighten people of Sabah's role and the formation of Malaysia, he said. — Bernama