SANDAKAN – Any amendment to the pension schemes involving Sabah state civil servants must first be discussed with the state government, said Sabah nominated assemblyman Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee.
Yong, who is also Sabah Progressive Party president, said the matter is enshrined in the Inter-Government Committee report as well as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“It was stated that any amendment involving pension schemes must first have the approval from the state governments (of Sabah and Sarawak).
“The civil servants in Sabah do not need to be overly concerned because the state government will take care of the people in Sabah,” he said when met by reporters after launching the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah Women Tour Zone 5B at Dewan Sri Libaran, Mile 7, here, today.
The former Sabah chief minister stressed that people must be reminded that when the federal government makes any decision about pension schemes, it also involves state civil servants in Sabah who have been on the scheme because pension payments come from the federal government.
“I am not saying yes or no (to amending the pension scheme). I want the federal government to first discuss with Sabah and Sarawak before amy amendments are made as it could affect the civil servants in Bornean states,” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking about the GRS Women’s Tour programme, Yong said that the programme was designed to enhance the strength of all parties under GRS, creating a stronger and more united force in preparation for the upcoming state election.
He reminded the attendees that fighting for Sabah rights under MA63 is not only about the 40% special grant but also about “Borneolisation,” which includes having only Sabahans fill up government positions in Sabah, the continental shelf, as well as autonomy in the state’s oil and gas sector. – Scoop
