Saturday 18 February 2006

BN members were told to stay united -Karim


The state BN members were told by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to stay united and work together for the state's development. -Tuan Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah 

KUCHING -- A closed-door dialogue between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders during the BN Backbenchers Club Retreat 2006 Saturday focused on the development needs of the state.

Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Peter Chin said the members of the state BN asked for a bigger allocation for Sarawak under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

"They believe Sarawak needs more funds to catch up with the development in other states," he told reporters after attending the two-hour dialogue at the Holiday Inn Resort Damai Lagoon in Santubong, about 50km from here.

Chin said the dialogue only "touched a bit" on the Sarawak state election which is expected soon.

"We did not deliberate too much on the state election because the matter will be decided by the Chief Minister (Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud)," he added.

Abdullah, who is also the BN Chairman, arrived here this afternoon for the retreat.

The Prime Minister was welcomed at the airport by a crowd of about 7,000 people led by Abdul Taib.