Opposition firmly against secession: Anwar

Kota Kinabalu: Pakatan Rakyat (PR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) said the Opposition firmly rejects any discussion and actions of certain quarters attempting to secede Sabah from Malaysia.He said such move by irresponsible quarters and separatists should stop immediately as it would not bring any benefit. However, he said, those quickly condemning these quarters also need to seriously look into the reasons for their grievances.

"In fact no country in the world will tolerate any attempt to secede as this is a fundamental question of nationhood. However they can question and even voice out their dissatisfaction and displeasure to the concerned authorities on issues or pledges that have yet to be honoured.

"You cannot talk about secession. That is my point. But find out why the secession issue was raised which could be under-development, marginalisation, inadequate representation, growth in injustices and promises not fulfilled. These are the questions and issues that need to be addressed," he said.

Anwar, who is also advisor and de factor leader of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) said this after opening the 51st Malaysia Day celebration with its theme "Empowering Sabah's Autonomy within Malaysia" organised by PKR Sabah at the compound of the PKR Sabah headquarters, Tuesday.

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Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

Also present were PKR Sabah Chairman Datuk Lajim Ukin, his deputy Christina Liew, Vice-Chairman Terence Siambun and several PKR senior leaders at Federal and State level.

"Like the media reports urging the people to be grateful and not raise issue of injustice and marginalisation of people's rights…if these are the answers by the Federal Minister or government, then it will create more anger among the people.

"I would also like to remind that huge weaknesses in ruling the country need to be improved including ensuring justice for all people involving all races and states especially in Sabah and Sarawak," Anwar said.

He also disagreed with the proposal to omit the number of years for next year's Independence celebration, saying historical facts cannot be left out.

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"What is the problem with the number of years being mentioned in Merdeka Day? It (History) is very clearly saying that the formation of Malaysia was on Sept 16, 1963 and Sabah and Sarawak gained independence while Persekutuan Tanah Melayu achieved theirs in 1957.

"The young generations in the peninsula need to know all these clear and historical facts. To me, it's historical and not even a controversial issue. People are making this issue so sensitive until become contentious when to me…it is not," he said.

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