PKR pledges to fight for Sabah, Sarawak autonomy
Lee She-Ian, TMI
Parti Keadilan Rakyat has pledged to fight for autonomy in Sabah and Sarawak, including a fairer distribution of oil royalty, its president Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said today.
Addressing PKR members during a special national congress in Shah Alam, Dr Wan Azizah noted that Barisan Nasional managed to maintain its grip on Putrajaya because it won in Sabah and Sarawak.
“However, it is pertinent to note that although we have enjoyed 56 years of independence, Sabah and Sarawak still lag behind Peninsular Malaysia in terms of infrastructure,” she said.
“BN made many promises to the people of Sabah and Sarawak in the run-up to the 13th General Election and in the previous polls. Have these pledges been kept?”
She cited Budget 2014 as an example, where development in Sabah and Sarawak was low on the list of priorities for Putrajaya.
PKR, PAS and DAP all hailed Sept 16 as a historical date in Malaysia’s history as it signified Sabah and Sarawak joining the Federation of Malaya.
The three parties launched the Kuching Declaration at the 55th Merdeka Day celebrations.
“PKR, PAS and DAP agreed unanimously to insert the Kuching Declaration into our constitution, which is on the verge of being approved,” she added.
Pakatan Rakyat is also determined to fight for 20% oil royalty to be paid to Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan and Terengganu.
