RANAU: Paginatan Assemblyman Datuk Rusdin Riman has reaffirmed his position as a KDM member and elected representative but that he will continue supporting the Sabah Government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He was clarifying an earlier statement by the party that he continued to support KDM President Priscella Peter.
Parti KDM had earlier announced it was withdrawing support for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Government. This, in turn, led GRS to clarify that Parti KDM was never one of its components.
Rusdin said he respected the official position taken by the KDM leadership, adding that his loyalty to the party remained unwavering.
“As an assemblyman under the KDM platform, I uphold the direction and decisions outlined by the party leadership. My pledge of loyalty to the party has never wavered.
I will continue to support the fundamental principles that form the foundation of the party’s struggle,” he said.
However, Rusdin said his foremost responsibility as an elected representative was to serve the constituents who had entrusted him with their mandate, regardless of race, religion, background or political affiliation.
“Based on this consideration, I have chosen to continue supporting the Sabah Government led by Hajiji, which is administering the State, in order to ensure the smooth running of the administration, regional development and the continued well-being of the people of Paginatan,” he said.
Rusdin said political stability was essential to ensure that development plans could be implemented, the needs of the people addressed and problems at the grassroots level resolved without disruption.
He said Paginatan still required sustained attention in several key areas, including infrastructure, basic amenities, education, healthcare, the economy, employment opportunities and the living standards of rural residents.
“These agendas require concerted efforts and continuous cooperation between the Government and other stakeholders,” he said.
Rusdin said the interests of the people of Paginatan should not become victims of the current political situation.
“I remain a KDM member and continue to respect the party leadership. At the same time, I believe that an elected representative should be given the freedom to fulfil the needs of the people he represents,” he said.