Sabah rights under MA63 to be included in BN election manifesto
Published on: Saturday, February 03, 2018
Kota Kinabalu: Sabahans can expect the championing for Sabah rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to be included in the Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto for the coming 14th General Election.Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman believed this vital matter which is the aspiration of the people of Sabah would appear in the manifesto as the coalition has acknowledged Sabah rights under the MA63 and is committed to resolving them."I am looking forward to the launching of BN's manifesto and I believe this (Sabah rights issue) should be one of those in it. In fact, our Prime Minister-cum-National BN Chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Naijb Razak has said that any Sabah rights that have been taken or yet been enforced or implemented would be returned to Sabah.
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"This is one of the reasons why it is very clear who we should support as BN under Najib is the only Prime Minister who recognised State rights under MA63 and even pledged to resolve them," he said, unlike former premier for 22 years, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who never recognised state rights or even allowed anyone to bring up such issue. Anifah, who is Kimanis MP, said this during a meet with the media and bloggers, including opposition bloggers, at a hotel, here, Friday. Also present were State rights MySabah group legal adviser Tengku Fuad Ahmad, among others. The opposition bloggers had requested Anifah and MySabah group to have a dialogue with them on current issues, especially on MA63 and Sabah rights.However, none of the opposition bloggers showed up, although over an hour was given to wait for their presence.Anifah said that previously those who raised such issues would end up in Kamunting as happened to opposition Star president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan who was detained under the Internal Security Act.The Federal Cabinet has appointed Anifah and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri to co-chair a steering committee on devolution of powers to Sabah and Sarawak.
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Among the State rights under MA63 which is being worked on, including by the MySabah group, is getting the 40 per cent revenue entitlement for the State provided by the Federal Constitution."There is a progress on this important issue (40 per cent revenue entitlement) and we target for this first part to be completed before the GE14.
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"I hope we would get something before the imminent general election and we only set this as a deadline (before GE14) which must be done properly as the process is complex and not an easy task as it is more on administrative process and long procedures."We are not going to confront the Government but will work with them. As a Sabahan, I believe in Najib who is concerned on this issue and willing to listen and work together with us to meet the people's aspirations in Sabah." In a related development, Anifah said MySabah group was created to help the Government in addressing and resolving Sabah rights under MA63 and not to fish votes or mislead the people of Sabah.However, he said, certain quarters have laced the claim on Sabah rights with aim to get political votes.MySabah, he said, aimed to get the support of Sabahans, opposition leaders such as Dr Jeffrey and SAPP President Datuk Yong Teck Lee and set aside political ideologies for the sake of claiming Sabah rights under MA63.On a timeframe to address the Sabah rights issue, Anifah said it is imperative to look into the process which is very complex as it is a matter of grave importance and they are not going to rush it for the sake of satisfying political aspirations.Instead, he said they are concerned to ensure a settlement that will guarantee until the next generations.Meanwhile, Fuad told the media that the 40 per cent revenue entitlement was the final part that was negotiated and agreed upon before the delegation of Borneo agreed to form Malaysia."In Jan 1963, North Borneo did not yet agree to form Malaysia because it did not want to give up its power of taxation.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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