Time to renew MA63 commitment: CM
Published on: Monday, September 17, 2018
CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie bin Apdal called for the Malaysia Day 2018 celebrations to be a key point to renew the commitment agreed between Sabah and Malaysia."With the new Federal Government, let's celebrate Malaysia Day this time as a starting point for us to renew our commitment that we have agreed upon. "Whatever the issue arises, it must be revised so that we can all sit equally as a nation. Malaysia exists on the basis of tolerance and mutual understanding.
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"Every want and offer are given due consideration and decision is achieved by consensus. Therefore, we should maintain this spirit, and stick to the principle that everything can be achieved through negotiations," he said, at the Malaysia Day celebrations officiated by the Prime Minister at Padang Merdeka, Sunday. He said Sabah is not just a state under the new government and the people have higher hopes of playing a bigger role in the economic prosperity, political stability and prosperity of Malaysia. To realise all this, he said, Sabah needs more funding or allocations for development.
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"We are hopeful that under the new government, whether at the federal level or in the state, more development and progress will be carried out."He said the Sabah Government will continue to work with the Federal Government to ensure the rights and interests of Malaysians in the state are preserved.
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"Let us together with the new government leaders, both at the federal and state level, bring more changes that we all dream, for the future, irrespective of race and religion. "We need to stay united because any split will not bring any progress," he said.Shafie said since the new government took over the state, it has received an influx of investors from around the world. "They show interest in investing in the country, especially in strategic sectors. I would like to emphasise that our commitment is to propel the development and economy of the state, with the focus on strengthening our financial position through fiscal planning and management."We are fortunate that Sabah has everything to emerge as an economic power. "Its most important asset is the fertile land for agricultural and plantation activities, abundant natural resources, as well as the beauty of nature and the diversity of races, races and cultures that are attractions for the tourism sector." He said at the same time, the Sabah Government is also committed to developing and providing knowledgeable, highly skilled and innovative human resources. "Certainly, if all these plans run smoothly, God willing, Sabah will not only be one of the fastest growing states, but no group of people will be left behind in enjoying the current of development." He said the Malaysian Federation is built on 'true coalition' where any agreement is reached for the sake of the people. And this great event was sealed through the Malaysian Agreement of 1963 or MA63 as the basis. Hence, he said it is important that all understand and appreciate not only the content of the MA63 Agreement but also the historical background as well as the factors that led to this important event."We need to return to the words sealed in the MA63. It is not merely words expressed to be free from the British colonialism but it is a written proof of the consensus and the spirit of integration of territories with different backgrounds but has a similar goal which was to build an independent and sovereign nation," Shafie said.He said the racial harmony in Sabah was unique and a gift that Sabah need to be grateful for. "The unity of the people of various multiracial, religions and customs have become the key to the rapid development of the state. It is a result of a society's rich attitude of mutual respect and acceptance of diversity that enables us to live together."As such the process of strengthening solidarity of the people should continue to be carried out as the passage of time brings together new challenges that may affect the unity of multi-racial and religious communities in the state," he said.Shafie said the abundance of development enjoyed by the state today is among the blessings that people in Sabah need to be thankful for every time."This is the most important factor in generating progress, prosperity and harmony of life, what more in our context in Sabah with so many tribes, religions and cultures."Each of us has the responsibility to bring Malaysia back to the level we can be proud of. In the context of this new government, we must learn from past mistakes, and improve it for the benefit and prosperity of the people in the whole," he said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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