Pairin blames the British
Published on: Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Kuala Lumpur: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan blamed the British Government for not doing enough to prevent the confusion that has cropped up on many issues following their hasty retreat with the formation of Malaysia on 16.9.1963."Why did the British Government allow the situation to deteriorate until today we have many unresolved issues regarding interpretation of the MA63 and the 40pc revenue entitled to Sabah under the 48th Schedule in Inter-Governmental Committee Report that has not been reviewed since 2004, among others," he asked.The Keningau MP when debating the National Budget 2016 in Parliament, Tuesday, said it cannot be denied that there is still much unhappiness over the loss of safeguards and treatment Sabah got after the formation of Malaysia.
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He said the young have different views on the 20 Points safeguards, five per cent oil royalty and other issues that have been topics for political debate."Looking at the documents, reports, agreements and the Constitution such as the Malaysia Act 1963, Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) and Cobbold Commission Reports, we can conclude that the British Government had acted in a rush as if it wanted to relinquish its responsibilities towards its colonies in Borneo. "Therefore, the proposal to form Malaysia was done in a haste."Due to the hasty action by the British Colonial Master, the preparation and protection for Sabah people did not reach a satisfactory level and hence, the suspicion that led to anger and animosity against the central government.
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"Therefore, it is now incumbent upon the British Government to help clear the unhappiness in Sabah and resume the responsibility of trashing out the controversies surrounding the discontentment over the loss of safeguards and promise of Sabah's rights within the Federation of Malaysia!," he said.Pairin urged the British High Commissioner to Malaysia to take serious note of this and the people of Sabah's call and deliver the message of grievance to the Queen, in London.
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"Please help to clear the doubts on the safeguards for North Borneo Sabah – the safeguards and rights which Britain promised and helped broker for us in its haste to relinquish its colonial responsibilities!," he said."Even I, myself, was not happy to see such situation happening like why Singapore was allowed to secede from Malaysia? Why there was no re-negotiation on the Malaysia Agreement? "Also, there was a 40 per cent payment for Sabah out of the Federal Government net revenue in line with Clause 48 in the Inter-government Report which had been neglected without any review since 2004!"Such funding of RM26 million a month was 'frozen' and by right, a Review Committee should be reactivated to ensure the Clause 48 is fulfilled and complied with. "So, it is not a surprise why there were many voices and grouses that show unhappiness and dissatisfaction," Pairin said.On empowerment to Sabah and Sarawak, he thanked the Prime Minister for transferring power or devolution of power to both states.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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