KOTA KINABALU: Political leaders should work together to address problems related to basic amenities, said United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia.
He said he was concerned about Umno and Parti Warisan leaders criticising the government over the state's basic infrastructure problems.
The former Dewan Rakyat speaker said those issues were neither new nor created by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalition.
"Water, roads and electricity problems are legacies of Umno-BN governing Sabah for three decades.
"These three basic amenities — electricity, water and roads — are the root cause of all the problems faced by the people of Sabah, since the state's independence through the formation of Malaysia.
"In this matter, state leaders, regardless of party affiliation, should stop engaging in politics like in the story 'Bangau O' Bangau', which is an ancient story about people always blaming others.
"Instead, they should help each other for the benefit of Sabahans."
He added that it was the responsibility of state leaders, regardless of party allegiance, to help Hajiji and the GRS address the problems faced by Sabahans.
Pandikar urged state leaders in the unity government to pressure the federal government on funding.
As for Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, he said the Kinabatangan member of parliament should play his role to serve the people.
"He could appeal and exert pressure on Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is deputy prime minister and rural and regional development minister, to help Sabah."
