Kota Kinabalu: Upko appealed to the people in Sabah to refrain from having any part in street demonstrations or any other form of public rally that will only jeopardise harmony among people in the State.

"The various communities in Sabah have been living together in a peaceful manner all these years and after Merdeka and the formation of Malaysia this harmonious relationship has been strengthened by participating in the various cultural and religious festivities," said party Vice President Senator Maijol Mahap.

"We can't deny there exists certain groups of people who are not satisfied with how development projects have been implemented and how the current economy has worked against them one way or another. But this does not mean the Government is not looking after them or have been sidelined."

Speaking after handing over two cattle to the community in Kg Simpangan and Kg Beliajung/Toritipon in Kota Marudu in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration, last Sunday, he said government projects and development are meant to uplift the socio economic life of the people.

"I urge the people to be tolerant and be patient as sooner or later the benefits of all the developments will be enjoyed by everyone," he said, adding that public rallies and street demonstrations are also not part of the people's culture here.