Is Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak 'naturally' happy with Umno-Barisan Nasional in Sabah?
KOTA KINABALU: If Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is even remotely committed to ensuring Malaysia remains with the Barisan Nasional coalition, then he must immediately restore the rights and autonomy of Sabah.
According to political maverick Dr Jeffrey Kitingan to save Sabah is to save Malaysia.
He said it was pointless talking about the being ‘committed’ to the future if the Borneo state continued to be ignored and sidelined.
“The Federation (of Malaysia) needs to stand as one, on the same standard, based on justice, equality and fairness if it hopes to survive.
“Sabahans are now more politically matured and are demanding that the legitimate rights and autonomy of Sabah that were promised by the founding fathers of Malaysia be restored.
“To give Sabahans their rights means to save Sabah, which is to save Malaysia, before it is too late.
“(As such) the Prime Minister should take immediate steps to restore the rights and autonomy of Sabah to save Sabah and to save Malaysia if he is genuinely and sincerely committed to the future of Malaysia” said Kitingan, the STAR Sabah chief in response to the reports that Najib is ‘committed to the future of Malaysia’.
He said it was no longer possible for the federal and state governments to continue to “fool the people”.
“The people now realise that they have been fooled and cheated for the last 48 years resulting in Sabah being the poorest state in Malaysia and being completely powerless politically.
“In addition, the revenues of Sabah of some RM22.7 billion in taxes in 2011 and its oil revenue of some RM15.0 billion in 2011 flowed out of Sabah.
“If the 20-Points had been implemented and honoured, all these RM37.7 billion would have been collected and remained in Sabah.
“Even an equal apportion will result in at least RM18.8 billion being retained for Sabah’s infrastructure and human capital development.”
Does Najib approve of Umno in Sabah?
Kitingan went a step further when he asked if Najib was trully happy with the way Umno-BN controlled Sabah.
“Is he naturally happy that Umno/BN is in complete control of Sabah? Does he (Najib) think Sabahans are happy with arrangement?
“What about the issue of the illegal immigrants being granted dubious MyKads and citizenships that have swarmed the state and overwhelmed the local natives?.
“What about the reports over the past several weeks of foreigners killing local natives as reported in the local press?
“Why has the Prime Minister not announced the formation of the RCI on the illegal immigrants issue that appears to have been approved by the Cabinet as hinted by several ministers?
“The unfair treatment of Sabah and the dilution of the state rights and autonomy and the lop-sided collection of oil revenue and other tax revenues from Sabah cannot be allowed to continue any longer.
“Sabahans are not demanding for additional rights or to take away the rights from other parties but to restore the rights and autonomy that have been lost since 1963,” he said adding that Sabah should not be treated as one of 13 unitary states.
Sabah’s per capita income in 2010 went up fromRM14,829 to RM17,242. And during the same period, the rate of unemployment also dropped from 5.6 per cent to 5.4 per cent. Apart from that, Sabah had already spent 75.5 per cent of the state allocation and 74.9 per cent of federal allocation to undertake development projects last year.
ReplyDeleteHead of State Tun Haji Juhar Haji Mahiruddin pointed out (during opening the first sitting of the State Legislative Assembly’s fifth session) that Sabah must shift from the low value commodity-based economy to one of high value and innovative that was knowledge- based.
ReplyDeleteTun Juhar said the dependence on several major commodities alone would not strengthen the state’s economy. And, he also stressed the need for development of the industrial and service sectors. As a state that is rich with natural resources, Sabah has the edge to further develop these two sectors.
ReplyDeleteCommending the Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman) on his efforts to develop the oil and gas industry, the Governor also extended his appreciation to the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) for his support. he was confident that with the commitment of the state government and the support and assistance of the federal government, the huge investment in the oil and gas sector would certainly boost Sabah’s economic growth. This will also help ensure the success of the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) in the state.
ReplyDeleteTun Juhar also said RM77.5 billion was needed to carry out 31 entry point projects (EPPs) in Sabah.The federal government would provide eight per cent of the amount to assist the private sector to kick off the projects. A comprehensive implementation plan for each of EPP is ready and the private sector must seize the opportunity to invest in these EPP projects. The EPPs, Tun Juhar said, would create 144,000 jobs by 2020. The federal government has allocated RM459.2 million to help start six high-impact projects worth RM5.15 billion.
ReplyDeleteThe Governor added that the projects under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) had been implemented smoothly, with 98.4 per cent of the RM100.4 million allocation utilised last year. According to him, Sabah’s financial standing was strong as a result of competent and efficient management as well as proactive steps undertaken by the state government.
ReplyDeleteJK in Sabah politics via the Star is only aimed at dividing the opposition. JK might have a hidden agenda. JK was a very strong figure in the opposition but suddenly joined Star, a local-based party from Sarawak. If JK really wants to be authoritative in a local party, then during the PBS reign in 1994, here, he would not have left the party and caused PBS to crumble as a result of his betraying his own brother, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan
ReplyDeleteWe must be confident and trust the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who is all out to practise what he preaches under the 1Malaysia concept
ReplyDeleteBelieving that the Prime Minister would prioritise the interest of Sabahans, especially the natives
Sabah still in development state in Malaysia. Federal govt already give the allocation to solve the problem in this state.
ReplyDeleteNajib is not the only one Prime Minister of Malaysia.. all the problems we are faced now has been there before he took over the prime minister post.. be patient JK.. all the problems will be solved soon..
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