Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights (Sabar) expressed disappointment at the Federal Attorney’s application to stay the proceedings pending their appeal to the Court of Appeal against the High Court’s decision in granting leave.Chairman of Sabar Board of Directors, Datuk Zainie Aucasa nevertheless said they are pleased that the Sabah Law Society (SLS) is continuing to pursue the state rights and guarantees as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution.
“Sabar fully supports and applauds SLS Action, which is very much in line with the aims and objectives to champion the rights and interests of the people of Sabah.
“We hope that the state government will do the same and continue with the legal suit and reaffirm their support of SLS action.
“The 40 per cent Special Grant that Sabah is entitled to under the Federal Constitution is sacrosanct and cannot and must not be trampled upon.
“The interpretation of Article 122D read together with Tenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution must be resolved judiciously by the Courts of country,” he said in a statement.
He said while SLS had obtained leave of Court to commence Judicial Review process, Sabar sees no reason at to why the Federal Government does not want a speedy judicial resolution of the issues surrounding the 40 per cent Special Grant.
“Sabar are of the view that it would be in the best interests of all parties including the Federal and State Governments and the people of Sabah to settle the matter promptly.
“The 40 per cent has been a thorny issue for far too long and it is crucial that a speedy determination be achieved to preserve state federal relationship.
“We are also happy of Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s stance on the continental shelf issue and believes that our boundary extends beyond the three nautical miles. Sabar supports the government stance to claim back our oil and gas rights,” he said.
