Umno EGM to grant autonomy to Sabah: Zahid
Published on: Monday, October 01, 2018
Kuala Lumpur: Umno will convene an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to grant more autonomy to Sabah Umno and to amend its party constitution on other matters, said its President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).He said he recently received a memorandum from Sabah Umno, which requested the Supreme Council consider granting it more freedom with regards to the constitution and party regulations."The autonomy also refers to self-administration on matters that have been set down by the party's rules and regulations.
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This includes fighting for the rights of native Sabahans, Bumiputeras and Sabahan society as a whole," Zahid said in his speech to party delegates during the second night of Umno's annual general meeting, on Saturday.In spite of the requirement for an extraordinary general meeting, he said the memorandum's recommendations have been accepted in principle.Zahid also reminded the delegates that the BN government had established a committee to devolve powers back to Sabah and Sarawak, and to study and ensure their rights are detailed and returned back in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963."This was to ensure fair economic prosperity in Sabah and Sarawak, as how the peninsula achieved.
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"I call upon the government of the day to continue the agenda of paying 20 per cent of the oil and gas royalties to the people of Sabah and Sarawak, per their manifesto," he said, adding the PH government should stop 'playing with their fates' and respect the rights of Sabahans and Sarawakians.Zahid also unveiled plans for a "rebranded" Barisan Nasional (BN), consisting of the five remaining political parties and allowing direct membership.
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He said he has been giving the Opposition coalition's future direction serious consideration for the sake of winning the rakyat's confidence again, and that the rebranding would be carried out as soon as the negotiations with the other component parties have been finalised."The main core parties will consist of Umno, MCA, MIC, MyPPP, and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah, followed by the parties of other coalitions who understand the aspirations and ideals of struggling together," he said.The rebranded BN will also include political parties that are Umno-friendly and have assisted and support it all this while, NGOs, and direct membership which allows individuals to become BN members without having to join any political party.Earlier, he had also addressed the supposed rumours and questions as to why he appeared to be keeping quiet and slow in deciding Umno's direction. "In truth, I have been focusing on the party's internal management, particularly on efforts to weaken Umno."Silence is golden, taking action is diamond! As the philosopher Lao Tzu said, silence is a source of great strength," Zahid said.He reminded the party members that despite its struggles when faced with its accounts being frozen, they should not act in haste not cower in fear when dealing with the authorities."Follow existing rules, do not behave oppressively, and do not take cheap provocations. Let the rakyat see and evaluate every action taken," Zahid said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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