Shafie upset Sabah Pakatan Harapan dropped suit
Published on: Sunday, October 01, 2023
Shafie told a press conference that he was disappointed that the coalition had dropped the suit after they had insisted so hard on filling in before.
Kota Kinabalu: Parti Warisan on Saturday took Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) to task for dropping the latter’s lawsuit against Putrajaya after forming the Federal Government.
Its President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal told a press conference that he was disappointed that the coalition had dropped the suit after they had insisted so hard on filling in before, and was now ready to drop it before the demands were fulfilled.
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“They have insisted on fighting for our State’s rights by filing the lawsuit,” he said.
“Initially, I had told them there was no need to bring this to court and directly negotiate with the Federal Government, but they insisted on doing it anyway, so now they should just let the court decide. Why retract it now?” he asked when asked by reporters about the controversial withdrawal of the suit.
He said the State’s argument was solid as its claims of the 40 per cent return of revenue were enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and it was just a matter of fulfilling the promise.
“I am quite disappointed with what they’re saying now,” he said, while expressing hope that they would continue to fight for what the State rightfully deserves.
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He cautioned the Federal Government not to use the excuse of not having enough resources in order not to fulfil their part of the agreement made prior to the formation of Malaysia.
“What we want is for the agreement to be fulfilled. It is up to them to look into it... Do not resort to saying they do not have the money. The Federal Government cannot keep delaying the payment of what is owed to Sabah by harping on government debts or the lack of funds to fulfil the MA63.
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“But money for the Penang bridge, you have?” asked Shafie.
Meanwhile, Shafie hoped the Government will have a comprehensive solution to the issue of rising prices of goods and food security concerns, which is a burden to the people.
He hoped it would be addressed the Budget 2024 which will be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 13.
“Food security is not only about the price but also the supply, such as rice, meat, onions and so on that are imported from foreign countries.
“The Government should have a comprehensive plan. This matter has been around for a long time but, unfortunately, it (a solution) could not be implemented.
“For example in Kota Belud, how many hundred millions have been allocated but there are no results relating to rice planting, rice species, rice granaries, how rice can be planted three times a year. Until now, nothing has been realised,” he said.
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