Opposition resorting to hitting below the belt
Published on: Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Joniston and George
Kota Kinabalu: The opposition is resorting to lies and slander after failing to oust the GRS government a year ago, according to GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said these actions seem designed to undermine the Government’s development initiatives, potentially with the ulterior motive of influencing an early state election.
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“It is regrettable that while the GRS-PH State government is working hard to address the many long-standing problems besetting Sabah such as water, electricity and roads, the opposition appears more interested in hoodwinking the people with false claims and slander,” he said.
He stressed attempts to tarnish the Chief Minister’s image is a clear intention by the opposition to hamper the government’s ongoing efforts to foster development in the state.
A notable instance involved opposition cyber-troopers linking a family member of the Chief Minister to a drug cartel, illustrating the severity of the alleged misinformation campaign.
“The GRS-PH government is dedicated to resolving people’s issues and fostering prosperity. GRS-PH prioritise concrete results and is committed to tangible outcomes rather than mere rhetoric,” Joniston said.
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He urged constructive dialogue and truthful information for the benefit of all.
“The GRS-PH State government remains committed to transparency and progress, and we call on the opposition to engage in fair and truthful discourse for the greater good of Sabah,” he said. Several politicians also urged those involved to refrain from turning to Hajiji’s family members after failing to discredit him.
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Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Kiulu Deputy Chief George Teo said it was nasty to defame the CM’s eldest son, Mohd Reza Hajiji, by alleging that he is involved in the Sabah drug cartel that was crippled last December.
“Mohd Reza is a family man who minds his own business. A poor attempt but very unfair to Hajiji and Mohd Reza. To accuse an innocent person is a sin.
“Criticise your opponents if you believe you are right but not to the extent of hurting family members. It’s unbecoming.”
The former councillor was commenting on the police report lodged by Mohd Reza, 41, on Sunday over the posting.
Teo said political assassination against the GRS-PH State Government seems to be gathering steam following the failure to unseat Hajiji as Chief Minister about a year ago.
Gagasan Rakyat Lamag Chief, Abu Bakar Gapar, said: “Various efforts to tarnish the image of Hajiji by the opposition, especially Warisan, have continued since the ‘Kinabalu Move’ failed.
“Warisan cybertroopers are constantly manufacturing issues to embarrass the Chief Minister in the hope that the State Assembly will be dissolved early to pave way for a snap State election.”
Gagasan Rakyat Deputy Secretary General, Datuk Stephen Jimbangan, said hoping to tarnish the Chief Minister by picking on his children should be avoided.
He sympathised with Mohd Reza for being dragged into the political game.
Activist, Chrisnadia Sinam, also took to task those behind the slanderous post implicating Hajiji’s son.
Chrisnadia said it would set a bad example to the younger generation.
The former PKR Sabah Communication Chief believed Mohd Reza became an easy target as he is the son of their main political opponen and hoped the police and MCMC would act fast and come down hard on the culprits.
“Hiding behind the keyboard and defaming others is cowardice.”
Tuaran Police Chief, Supt Noraidin Ag Maidin, had said police were investigating.
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