By Anuar Ghani
Information Chief, STAR
THE proposal by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi emphasizing the importance of cooperation between GRS, BN and PH can be interpreted as overt political pressure.
The Prime Minister stated that the ruling of Sabah requires consensus and collaboration with Malaya based Parties.
This means that only by supporting the Party aligned with the Federal Government will the State receive their full assistance and cooperation, among others.
This approach is not only contradicts the spirit and rationale of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) but also undermines the democratic and constitutional rights of the people of Sabah to choose the Parties they believe in without any pressure.
The people of Sabah should not be subtly threatened that they will be punished if they choose local Parties that do not align with the Federal Government.
If that is the case, this government is no different than from the era of Tun Mahathir.
On the contrary, Sabah regardless of the ruling Federal Government, should be treated fairly and as a constitutional equal partner (See Article I (2)(b) of the Federal Constitution).
Who else can better take care of the Sabahans other than the Sabahans and local Parties themselves?
Development is the right of the people, not a political reward.
The terms and conditions for cooperation are simple.
Fulfill the MA63 terms and under the Federal Constitution.
The RM600 Million promised by the Anwar Ibrahim is merely a “sweetener” that only covers 3.1% of Sabah’s 40% rights under Article 112(a) and Part IV Schedule 10 of the Federal Constitution for the year 2025.
Give us our rights so that the Sabah Government can utilize the funds to improve the development of Sabah, to resolve the long term issues of electricity and water, improve Sabah’s education and health, and basic necessities.
The Federal Government still owes 40% to Sabah for the last 51 years (from 1974 – 2025). Pay first, then we can discuss further. Show us the money.
The proposal to include Malayan Parties is an attempt to make UMNO relevant in National and State Politics.
They are trying to apply their modus operandi in 7 states in Peninsula where they needed to form coalitions to govern or dominate the states of Johore, Penang, Selangor, Pahang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, and they have lost (zero seats) in Terengganu, Kelantan, Perlis, and Kedah (and Sarawak). UMNO has been rejected in Malaya.
In truth, they need us more than we need them.
Sarawak is governed by a local Party.
There are no insurmountable issues.
Sabah too wants to be led by local Parties.
We can convey the request and demands of the people of Sabah through the “bridge and the messenger” of Sabahans appointed in the Federal Cabinet.
The decision on Sabah interest and requirement will be made by the Presidents of the local Parties and not by branch managers of Malayan Parties at the Sabah level.
We hope these “bridge and messenger” will be more successful than the past leaders and political figures of Sabah such as Tun Fuad Stephens, Tun Mustapha, Tan Sri Ghani Gilong, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Tan Sri Kasitah Gaddam, and Tan Sri Anifah Aman, and at one time in the past, when Sabah had 6 Ministers and Deputy Ministers in the Federal Cabinet.
Fighting for Sabah rights was and is their duty and mandate as representatives of the people of Sabah.
What the “bridges and messenger” say and fight for should be governed and dictated to by Sabah leaders, not the other way round.
Do not get seduced, addicted and waylaid by the trappings of position, power, resources, and self-interest.
We have seen past leaders bested, outmaneuvered, and outsmarted by Federal leaders. There is a huge trust deficit.
That is in the past. No more.
This “bridge and messenger” will have to prove themselves and show that they have the relentlessness, consistency, courage, resilience, and resolve as shown by Dr. Jeffrey G. Kitingan.
The statement given by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi has raised Political awareness among the people of Sabah and further strengthened their support for local Parties to fight for the rights, autonomy and justice of the State of Sabah.
Rumah kita, kita jaga!!!
