Jeffrey fumes over surrender of states powers

By Luke Rintod

KOTA KINABAU: Outgoing PKR vice-president Jeffrey Kitingan has castigated the Umno-led Barisan Nasional state government for bowing and surrendering land matters to federal guidelines.

Jeffrey, who is also president of CigMa or Common Interest Group Malaysia, pointed out yet another transgression of the 20-points and the Malaysia Agreement 1963, saying that land matters were now under pressure to bow to the federal government's National Land Committee (NLC).

The diehard 'Borneo first' politician said under the agreement and the 20 points, land matters are strictly state-controlled, and therefore no reason for the BN-led state government to "surrender" such matters to the jurisdiction or guidelines of NLC.

He took to task Sabah Land and Survey director Osman Jamal, who was quoted in the local newspapers as saying that the state department has all this while implemented policies of the NLC and federal government.

"I am sad to hear that Sabah Land and Survey Department under Osman now appears to consider itself as being part and parcel of and having to comply with the National Land Code.

"We must retain our independence and autonomy on land matters as agreed at the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

"We have our own Land Ordinance... I want the state government to state clearly its stand if Sabah are now governed by the NLC instead of our own land code," Jeffrey told FMT.

The State Land and Survey director revealed the NLC and federal policy link when explaining that Chief Minister Musa Aman had ordered the department to approve extension of land lease with the lowest premium.

Covered in the order were lands under CL, PL, industrial, plantation and agriculture-related lands.

Citing an example of the federal policy being executed in the state, Osman said anyone could submit an application for land lease extension up to 99 years.

Jeffrey contended that state civil servants like Osman are not at liberty to touch on sensitive matters that have been agreed upon as the very foundation of the Federation of Malaysia.

He however lauded Osman's announcement about the land lease being extended at affordable premium.

Musa is to due announce more details on the issue soon. - FMT