Kota Kinabalu: The Federal Unity Government never rejected any issue that was brought up by Sabah related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor.
This includes Sabah’s demands and claims, particularly the 40 per cent net revenue that should be returned to Sabah yearly.
“The Federal government will never reject (these claims), as I am in the special main committee addressing MA63 matters involving Sabah and Sarawak.
“I have voiced and affirmed the State Government’s position at a meeting of the Special Council on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 to continue to demand the right to 40pc revenue, as stated in the MA63.
“The State Government will make sure our needs and interests are prioritised and fought for,” he told Daily Express in conjunction with his third year as Chief Minister.
He said some perceive that Federal is not serious in addressing MA63 issues, especially when the 12 Sabah Pakatan Harapan MPs withdrew their Originating Summons (court action) on Sept. 29.
“But they withdrew it because the Federal Government guaranteed it will resolve the 40pc issue and MA63-related matters.
“According to the Deputy Prime MInister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, it will be resolved within one year because they (Sabah Pakatan) are in the government and suing the government is not appropriate.”
Hajiji said the guarantee proved that the Unity Government is very attentive to demands by Sabah and Sarawak and is committed to implement them.
He said most important is that Sabah has the guarantee that they (Federal) will implement and resolve these matters within a year.
“But how much will be given we do not know. We are waiting for the formula (distribution payment).
“Actually the Prime Minister is very fair. In front of all the Ministers even in Kuching during the Malaysia Day celebration, he (PM) said this (MA63) agreement is for implementation.
“We have to bring it to Parliament but now with the current political scenario and situation, it’s a bit late.
“They used the emergency order in 1969 but when it (emergency) was no more, the certain matters were returned. However, these were yet to be brought to the Parliament (to be tabled),” he said.
Hajiji also said Federal-State dealings today were unlike in the past when predecessors like Tun Mustapha Datu Harun and Tan Sri Harris Salleh could issue important announcements such as projects through TV and radio and inform the Federal Government officially later.
These leaders had bold leadership styles but now there are procedures to follow so that everyone is on the same page.
Nevertheless, he said, now is the time for Sabah and Sarawak to pursue the MA63 demands.
“I believe Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will implement the 40 per cent net revenue, but in stages.
“Anwar said to me that he inherited Federal government debt amounting to RM1.5 trillion and is contemplating how to pay Sabah, which he believes will involve tens of billions of Ringgit, which is not easy.
“I understand the Prime Minister’s situation. But I said to him to look for ways to help Sabah according to what it should be because we also understand and think about national interest,” Hajiji said.
He also acknowledged some Federal leaders previously did not care about the MA63 and 40pc because they were politically strong and could choose not to hear the voices of Sabah and Sarawak.
“Fortunately, Federal leaders now are different as they listen, care and seriously look into what Sabah and Sarawak needs and are even willing to fulfil the rights of both states as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the MA63.”
On the recent promised funding of RM320 million to address water woes in Sabah that is yet to be channelled, Hajij said the State Government has no problem use its own money first to do what is necessary for Sabah as the Federal government would pay back.
On whether Federal is giving empty promises, he refuted such perception saying there are procedures and processes in the finance and treasury sections that need to be complied with.
