State constitution doesn't say only Sabah-born can be nominated as reps, says Yong

KOTA KINABALU: There is nothing in the state constitution stating that only those born in Sabah are allowed to be nominated as assemblymen.

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee (pic) said this in response to the state  PKR questioning the recent appointment of Loh Ee Eng as assemblyman under DAP's quota.

Yong, who is also the Opposition's Gabungan Sabah (United Sabah Alliance) deputy chairman, in a statement Monday (June 3) said Loh is a "naturalised Sabahan of Malaya origin".

"Like some other Sabahans, he was not born in Sabah.

"As a young boy with his family, he migrated to Sabah many, many years ago and has been brought up as a Sabahan.

"The only restrictions applicable to naturalised Sabahans compared with local-born Sabahans are contained in the Sabah constitution - Article 2(1) and Article 6(4) - which stipulates that a naturalised Sabahan may not be appointed as Head of State (Yang di-Pertua Negri) and Chief Minister respectively.

"Other than the two restrictions, naturalised Sabahans may be appointed to public office, including as nominated members of the Sabah Legislative Assembly.

"I hope this statement will clear any doubt in the minds of people," Yong said.

He explained that as a non-native, Loh, like other Sabahan non-natives, will similarly be subject to the laws on native rights such as ownership of native land.- Star