The Malaysian Insight

SABAH’S quest for the return of its rights does not mean it is leaving the federation of Malaysia, Chief Minister Shafie Apdal said today.

He said most Sabahans are unhappy that the terms of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 have not been met after 56 years.

He said the realisation of the MA63 terms will make the federation stronger, instead of leading to its collapse.

“This is our country. Sabahans will not do anything to stay away from Malaysia.

“What is important is to touch the heart of Malaysians.

“For us in Sabah, the MA63, and that is what Sabahans want to be fulfilled,” he said at the Sabah Forum on Institutional Governance and GLC reforms, in Kota Kinabalu, today.

Shafie was speaking after presentations on Understanding Sabah Issues Relating to Govermnent Reforms, the Federal-State Relationship and the Extent of Islamisation in Sabah.

Shafie said Putrajaya must learn from events that led to the dissolution of Soviet Union in 1991 and the United Kingdom withdrawal from the European Union to understand Sabahans.

He said Malaysians should no longer work in silos but come together to understand each other.

“I have been working for the country for more than 30 years. And finally I want to return to my home (Sabah).

“I want to bring Sabah to be part of Malaysia. This is my intention.

“I love Malaysia, I love my wife who is from Kedah, I have a grandaughter who is from Kelantan, Selangor and Sarawak.

“But asking what is rightfully ours does not mean I want to stay away from Malaysia,” he said.

Shafie recalled his time in the federal cabinet, which saw him being denied funds for Sabah despite constantly raising the issues of the state in meetings.

“The truth is we have been sharing our wealth with others all this years. We don’t mind that.

“Petronas came and drilled for oil in our state and we don’t mind it.”

However, he said, the royalty payment still remains at 5%.

Pakatan Harapan in its election manifesto had promised to restore state rights, raise the oil royalty from 5% to 20%, and 40% revenue sharing if it gets to form the federal government.

None of those terms have been met since PH took Putrajaya after the May 9 polls.  – March 25, 2019.