Jeffrey: Borneo states may turn against Najib if ignored

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak still has a narrow window of opportunity to do the right things and make a comeback to go from zero to hero.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah opposition strongman and Bingkor Assemblyman Jeffrey Kitingan’s main New Year wish is to see Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak implement electoral reforms before the forthcoming Sarawak state elections are held. “Addressing Bersih 4’s demands for clean, free and fair elections in implementing electoral reforms should be among Najib’s New Year resolutions to restore confidence in the country.”

“Najib also needs to address the unhappiness in Sabah and Sarawak with Putrajaya over Malaya degenerating into Greater Malaya in Borneo in violation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.”

The elections are scheduled by mid-2016 but may be held earlier. Jeffrey’s wish for electoral reforms may be a tall order for Najib given that the Sarawak state election is just around the corner.

The latest speculation is that the Sarawak Assembly would be dissolved on February 25, candidates named on March 6, postal voting to take place on March 16 and the state election taking place on March 19.

Jeffrey, in referring to the fact that Najib has been accused of covering up wrongdoing, sweeping them under the carpet and going after the authorities concerned and others who got too close to him in their investigations, urged the Prime Minister not to take things for granted. “His credibility has eroded badly, there’s no confidence in his leadership, and things are beginning to slide badly.”

“He should take the New Year, 2016, as an opportunity to restore confidence, remove the fear factor, and resolve outstanding issues, especially in Sabah and Sarawak. Najib still has a narrow window of opportunity to do the right things and make a comeback. He could still go from zero to hero but that narrow window of opportunity is closing rapidly.”

Briefly, Jeffrey wants Umno to halt its politics of race and religion fueling its divide-and-rule tactics to cover up the plundering of the economy, defer the GST or at least reduce it to 2 per cent from the current 6 per cent, and exempt Sabah and Sarawak from the consumption tax. “Sabah is also entitled to 40 per cent net revenue entitlement under the Federal Constitution and other financial rights like 10 per cent export duty and 10 per cent import and excise duty on petroleum products.”

“The measly 5 per cent oil royalty should also be reconsidered in the wake of the emergency laws being done away with and the Petroleum Development Act and the oil agreement being considered redundant as a result.”

The Star Sabah Chief warned that if Najib didn’t move in the right direction, things could get a whole lot worse before they turn around for the better, if at all. “The ringgit is down, the rapid declines in commodity prices including crude oil have hit us very badly, and the Borneo states may yet turn against him in the near future if he continues to ignore their cries of unhappiness.”

“The Borneo states could shift and go in a new direction. That would be the end of Najib and Putrajaya.”