Published on: Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Kota Marudu: If Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili is chosen by the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership to defend his Kota Marudu parliamentary seat and wins it in the next general election, it will be his last term, he said.Ongkili, who is also PBS Deputy President, told delegates at the PBS Tandek 27th annual meeting, here, that he was ready to serve the constituency for the last time before making way for a younger, capable local leader to take over."Nevertheless, I will continue to serve the people in other capacities such as a mentor and advisor," he pledged.He said the Kota Marudu parliamentary seat as well as the Tandek and Matunggong state seats under it, remained to be BN strongholds."The Kota Marudu constituency has progressed enormously over the past 10 years with the support and special attention of the BN Federal and State governments," he said."This can be seen from new development programmes taking place in Kota Marudu, which include construction of two new secondary schools (SMK Marak Parak and SMK Langkon), a RM300 million water reticulation system and the Marak-Parak road to connect Kota Marudu to Ranau."Besides this, Kota Marudu has also enjoyed one of the highest quotas for housing for the poor in the state," he added.Ongkili attributed these successes to the fact that Kota Marudu folk had always been ardent supporters of BN.Meanwhile, Ongkili's sudden interest in Keningau district, as seen by his presence during the recently concluded district-level Tadau Kaamatan celebration, sparked public speculation as to whether he would shift base there.The Keningau parliamentary seat is currently held by Tambunan Assemblyman and Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Infrastructure Development Minister as well as Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.They noted that although Dr Maximus had studied at a school in Keningau previously, he seldom came to the district.Dr Maximus, who is Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, is PBS Deputy President and the party's likely choice as replacement for Pairin in Keningau should he (Pairin) not wish to continue.There was earlier speculation about Pairin's health but the latter said he was fit to lead the party to another election battle.There was also talk that Jack Nointin, who is PBS Liawan Division chief, would take over Pairin as Keningau MP if Dr Maximus decides to continue holding onto his Kota Marudu parliamentary seat.
Daily Express
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