Social activist Phang wants LDP to return ‘to sanity’

KOTA KINABALU: Outspoken social activist Robert Phang urged the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to halt their attacks on Chief Minister Musa Aman.He said this in reaction to LDP’s declaration through its deputy president, Chin Shu Pin that the party could no longer work with Musa.LDP is a partner in the Sabah Barisan Nasional coalition."I do not wish to see LDP thrown into disarray by one man’s stupidity and short short-sightedness and irresponsible action,” said Phang.

The philanthropist urged LDP leaders "to maintain their sanity and exercise greater wisdom in handling whatever differences they have with the Sabah BN leadership."Phang, who is a commissioner with the MACC, believes LDP’s declaration against Musa "stemmed from minor issues that could have been properly resolved in true BN spirit".Explaining his stand on the issue, he stressed that it was crucial to avoid unnecessary political instability which could have a far-reaching implication on the state and its people.

He lashed out at LDP leaders who had publicly attacked Musa, describing their actions as "mischievous and unbecoming".He said it was inappropriate "especially when they have declared their faith and loyalty to BN". "It is imperative for the component parties to adhere to BN’s SOP (Standards of Practice) and code of ethics," said Phang. "Why are they acting in such a reckless and irresponsible manner by highlighting problems which are within the BN component parties, and which can be resolved in the spirit of BN?"

'Do some serious soul searching'

He also suggested that LDP leaders like Chin could be in cahoots with a certain ‘self- interest groups’ in a plot to undermine Musa’s leadership and that of BN, both for their own political as well as selfish gains.
He said LDP leaders should do some deep soul searching and avoid being further exploited by these groups of people.“It is easy to ruin the current progress and prosperity that comes with stability but very difficult to repair and restore them when damage is done. Avoid creating your own pitfalls.

“Do not gamble away the stability and welfare of the state as well as the country just to achieve your own personal agenda.“I appeal to all LDP leaders, please come back to sanity. Please be sensible and avoid regret later,” he said in a statement issued in Kuala Lumpur.Phang, who is currently chairman of the Social Care Foundation and a executive member of the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) said he has a soft spot for LDP because he once played a very important role in the birth of party in 1989.Phang praised Peter Pang for resigning from the party to remain in BN and to continue to support Musa’s leadership.

He hoped LDP president VK Liew  would salvage the situation without delay.He added that credit should be given to Musa for his contribution towards making Sabah a better state "contrary to all the baseless allegations made by the opposition and his rivals