Maximus denies Sabah MPs have jumped ship
Friday, May 16th, 2008, The Borneo Post 

Rumour from opposition actually to undermine existing political stability

KUALA LUMPUR: Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili yesterday denied that some Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs had switched parties.

He said the matter was an old story and the speculation had been spreading since the 12th general election concluded.

“The rumour from the opposition is actually to undermine the existing political stability. I feel it is also to undermine the mental stability of politicians from Sabah and Sarawak,??? he told reporters after officiating Mimos Bhd’s portal ‘eBioChem’ at Seri Kembangan near here.

“I am totally against people who defect. This is unprincipled and undignified.

“If you want to topple the government using unprincipled politics, without reference from your voters through by-elections, then I think the so-called freedom of association is an act of irresponsibility,??? Maximus said.

He was commenting on talk of Sabah MPs being made offers to join opposition parties.

Maximus said he had met a delegation of 15 MPs from Sabah to discuss the state’s development.

“For Sabah, two matters are well known namely the flood of illegal immigrants and more balanced development.

“There must be more allocation for rural development. That is their call for fairness and justice,??? he said.

Maximus proposed a panel at the federal government level to address the issues.

“They (the issues) are not new and we need an action plan. The prime minister and the deputy prime minister have given instructions to take action in certain fields but the follow-through has been very weak.

“So, what we need is a committee to look into this and work it out so there are milestones to be achieved,??? he said. — Bernama