SANDAKAN, Nov 1 — Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said today those who raised the issue of “Sabah for Sabahans” to garner political support were not facing reality.
He said the outdated issue only cropped up during elections and had nothing to do with Malaysian nationhood.
“We can assume that those who bring up the argument are not facing reality. It means that they do not understand our nationhood and our constitution. Article 161 of the Federal Constitution clarifies the position of Sabah,” he told reporters after a live interview broadcast over Sandakanfm, here.
Rais (picture) said the 20-point agreement pertaining to Sabah had been settled save for several matters related to emplacement of officers which were being handled in stages.
For example, he said, many Sabahans were serving in senior positions in the judicial service in Kuala Lumpur and elsewhere, and even the attorney-general was from Sabah.
Rais said the people should reject narrow sentiments and focus on efforts by the government to create great and highly educated leaders from Sabah.
On the anxiety expressed by the Malay Rulers over the current political trend which seemed to be inclined towards stirring up racial sentiments, he said the Rulers were merely reminding the people of matters which had been agreed to by all the races.
He said the people should not forget what had been agreed upon in the constitution.
“In this context, there is the Sedition Act and other laws which can be used against those who incite the people to disrupt unity,” he said.
Rais also visited the media centre of the ministry for the Batu Sapi parliamentary by-election, here.
He also visited Bandar Ramai-Ramai and distributed food hampers to 22 Chinese senior citizens. — Bernama
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.