'Puzzled to see Upko nominating Umno's Ambrose as senator

Penampang: Penampang folks are puzzled why the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Organisation (Upko) had to propose a senatorship for Umno instead of a leader from its own party.They wondered if this means that Upko lacked credible leaders for the post.

Penampang BN Chairman Donald Mojuntin had stated that it was Upko who proposed that the senatorship be given to Umno Penampang Division Chief Datuk John Ambrose.

According to Fidelis Kimsin, 66, from Kg. Babagon, he is puzzled to see Upko nominating an Umno man as senator.

"While there is no mistake at all for Ambrose to be appointed as a senator, it is rather unfortunate that Upko Penampang gave it away to Umno, considering that Umno Sabah had used up all its quota (for senatorship).

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"Does Upko Penampang lack credible leaders to represent the district at Dewan Negara?" he asked.

In view that Upko had proclaimed it is vocal on many issues while Ambrose can easily secure funds for the development of Penampang, some suggested it would have been most perfect if Ambrose is appointed the new BN Chairman for Penampang while the senatorship been given to any of Upko Penampang's young leaders.

Meanwhile, Adrian Abah, 43 of Kg Kambau believes that Upko Penampang had made a political blunder by giving away its quota for senatorship to Umno.

"There is no doubt that Ambrose can assist the district in terms of development but how will it be when it comes to issues in relation to the 20 per cent oil royalty, RUU355, illegal immigrants and Projek IC, MA63 and so on?

"Will Ambrose be vocal (on these issues) as how the current Member of Parliament for Penampang, Darell Leiking or the Deputy President of LDP Senator Chin Su Phin have been? Or will he (Ambrose) be silent like the rest?" he asked.

As for Raphael Sinumbong, 58, from Kg. Gunsing, the proposal made by Upko Penampang depicts the subservient attitude by the party towards Umno.

"Maybe the proposal made by Upko Penampang is part of a covert plan by the party together with Umno to convince more non-Muslim KDMs to join Umno.

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"Umno and Upko has a very good relationship with Upko being a staunch supporter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and I would not be surprised if the proposal made by Upko Penampang and confirmed by Donald is actually for the benefit of Umno.

"After all, both Umno and Upko cannot afford to allow the KDM to continue supporting the opposition, especially with the emergence and good response on Parti Warisan Sabah at the KDM constituencies," he said.

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