Half million Sabahans 'barely able to make it'
Published on: Thursday, September 01, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: DAP Sabah citing Statistics Department data claimed that half of Sabah's workers earn less than RM1,100 a month, or RM500 less than the national average and barely above the statutory minimum wage of RM920."Clearly Sabahans earn a lot less than ordinary Malaysian workers in the peninsula and Sarawak. The hardships are compounded by expensive goods and costs of living that remain the highest in the country," its Chairman Stephen Wong told a press conference.
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Wong said the fact that up to 500,000 Sabahan households are finding it difficult to make ends meet every month is hardly a proud achievement as the 53rd anniversary of Malaysia's formation looms near."We in DAP are keenly aware of the economic difficulties and stress faced by the rakyat in Sabah. The problems plaguing Sabah are symptoms of a flawed and ailing federation. "For all the inequalities in wealth and power between East and West Malaysia, Sabahans generally feel disappointed and deprived," he said.
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Wong added that as a party of ideas and ideals, DAP has to be prepared to lead the debate on how to correct the flawed and ailing federal political system in the country.He also said Sabah's relationship with Putrajaya has to change from being a "subservient State" to being a genuine equal partner which was promised during the formation of Malaysia.
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"Only with a reformed and working federation could Sabah's development hurdles be overcome. The wellbeing of Sabahans hinges upon political reforms that must include devolution of power from Putrajaya," he said.This is why, he said, the two-day policy forum meeting which ended Tuesday was held to discuss policy advocacies and the party's upcoming political campaigns.The discussion was led by Wong and participated by about 20 Sabahan DAP grassroots activists as well as prominent leaders from Sarawak and the peninsula.Among the points discussed during the meeting were DAP's advocacy to deal with the injustices and imbalances between East and West Malaysia and how they could fight for more power and resources to be decentralised away from the federal to the State government, the need to strengthen DAP machinery on the ground to improve constituency services, build local networks and to understand and speak for ordinary citizens.The meeting also concluded that the party has to overcome its baggage of identity politics and get away from being seen as an Anti-Malay, Anti-Islam or West Malaysian party."We strive to be an inclusive party for all. We uphold Sabah's pride and honour. We respect Sabah's right and we want to build a better Sabah through constructive reforms in the federal government," he said.The party also resolved to bring forth the concept 'New Federalism, New Deal' aiming to make Sabah and Sarawak genuine equal partners with Peninsular Malaysia in a healthy and working federation, empowering Sabah to develop and thrive on its own terms.Under the new framework of the New Federation, Sabah will enjoy a wide range of autonomy in deciding matters that are best dealt with at the State level such as policing, healthcare, education, transport, commerce, telecommunications and others."DAP continues to uphold native rights especially on native customary land rights so as to secure sustainable livelihood for the native communities who in many cases were unduly pressured to give up their land and culture."We stand firm behind the principles of the Oath Stone, including freedom of religion, State power over land matters and commitment to respect the customs and culture of the natives.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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