PM is committed to fulfilling MA63 rights, says Sabah PH

Sabahans should appreciate the special attention and the financial commitment from the federal government to the state.

(NST) – Recently during a PKR event in Sabah, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Putrajaya had spent RM16 billion total expenditure for Sabah.

The finance minister had also said that the amount is more than 40 per cent revenue share that Sabah has been asking for.

In a joint statement, Sabah PH leaders said the people should be appreciative of what had been done for the state.

“Many seem to ignore the fact that the Sabah and Sarawak entitlement in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 involves many other areas of entitlements within the framework.

“However, what is reassuring is that we have a Prime Minister who has agreed and allowed this matter to be discussed, examined, and resolved.

“Never before in our country’s history have we had a Prime Minister who is transparent, respects historical agreements, and is sincere about providing genuine financial empowerment to Sabah and Sarawak. A few years ago, this topic was taboo to mention and discuss openly.”

“With this positive development, we not only hope but are also confident that through the sincerity, commitment, and leadership of the Prime Minister, we will ensure that ultimately, what is enshrined in the Constitution as the rights of Sabah and Sarawak will be respected and fulfilled,” the statement said.

The statement was issued on behalf of Sabah PH chairman Datuk Christina Liew, Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick, Sabah PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Frankie Poon and Sabah Amanah chairman Lahirul Latigu.

It added after 61 years of the formation of Malaysia, several demands under the MA63 have been resolved.

Among them are the restoring the original position of Sabah and Sarawak in the Constitution; handover of administrative authority over Pulau Sipadan and Pulau Ligitan to the Sabah state government; as well as granting authority over licensing and deep-sea fishing to the Sabah and Sarawak state governments.

There is also recognition of the Public Works Department and the Irrigation and Drainage Department of the states of Sabah and Sarawak as Technical Departments under Treasury Directive 182 (AP182); and the amendment of the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) Act 1995 to appoint representatives of the state governments of Sabah and Sarawak as permanent members of the board.

Other issues that have been resolved include the handing over of the power to regulate gas supply in Sabah; the administration of the judiciary in Sabah and Sarawak; provision of guidelines for the retransfer of land reserved for the Federation in the states of Sabah and Sarawak; as well as the handover of electricity regulatory powers to the Sabah state government.

“We must acknowledge that these discussions and negotiations are delicate and at the same time, involve complex legislative matters that require detailed examination and consideration.

“But what is assuring is that we have a Prime Minister who had agreed and allowed for these matters to be discussed, studied, and finding ways for it to be resolved.

“With these positive developments, we are not only hopeful, but we are also confident that the sincerity, commitment, and leadership of our Prime Minister will ensure that in the end what rightfully and constitutionally belongs to Sabah and Sarawak will surely be respected and delivered.”