Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's political fortunes appear to be dimming and Sabah DAP believes this is the best time for the people of Tawau to make demands.

Sabah DAP vice-chairperson Chan Foong Hin said Najib should not visit Tawau empty-handed.

Chan ( right ) said should the prime minister wish to gain the support of Sabah Umno members and people there in general, Najib must announce various goodies.

Sabah Umno will on Sunday hold a solidarity gathering with Najib, who has come under intense pressure to resign from former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Kalabakan MP Ghapur Salleh told Malaysiakini that between 20,000 and 30,000 people will be greeting Najib at the event.

"What a waste of money if the lavish event does not bring any goodies to the rakyat?

"Tawau specifically and Sabah generally have so many problems. They need the resources and allocations from the federal government to address them," Chan said.

'You help me, I help you...'

The Sri Tanjong assemblyperson also noted how the results of the Rompin and Permatang Pauh by-elections did not herald good news for Najib.

"BN's reduced majority in the Rompin by-election and its failure to wrest Permatang Pauh, amidst a tough time for the opposition with Anwar Ibrahim in jail and PAS' hudud issue resulting in a fractured Pakatan Rakyat, are seen as a wake-up call for Najib.

"He needs to do more to defend his position as Umno president and prime minister," he said in a statement.

Therefore, Chan called on Sabah Umno leaders to exploit the situation since the prime minister had previously remarked, "you help me, I help you".

The Sabah opposition leader also listed several projects that he hoped would be completed before the next general election. These are:

  • Construction of Coastal highway from Kg Titingan to Tinagat;
  • Expediting flood mitigation plan project;
  • Expediting Cinta Mata water dam project;
  • Constructing a new anchor power plant in Tawau as East Coast of Sabah has -30% of power reserves;
  • Upgrading internet connectivity in Tawau;
  • Constructing a new solid waste management plant in Tawau;
  • Increasing the number of police personnel in Tawau to combat crime;
  • Upgrading of Tawau Hospital facilities, including car parking facilities and increasing numbers of medical staff there;
  • Constructing a new multi-storey car park beside the Tanjong Market and the newly announced UTC; and
  • Dredging and upgrading facilities in Tawau port.

"I hope the organising chairman for the rally (solidarity gathering) Kalabakan MP Ghapur Salleh would agree with my list of demands and forward it to the prime minister," Chan said.