‘I will let PM give good news’

KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is expected to announce some good news with regards to Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) following the conclusion of the steering committee meeting a few days ago.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said he would allow the Prime Minister to reveal the details and assured that the discussions held over the past few months were positive.

“Of course, not everything that we want under MA63 will be achievable immediately, but things like (returning) 40% of nett revenue earned from Sabah will be addressed,” he said after officiating the new state library in Tanjung Aru near here yesterday.

Shafie said the meetings held provided better platforms for Sabah and Sarawak to voice their needs according to the MA63.

“What is important is that we have told (the Federal Government) what we want, and that the things we will get are things that are realisable,” he said.

On other matters, the Semporna MP urged Sabahans to stop bickering on race and religion, and instead focus on helping the state develop.

“We should move forward. Of course, everyone loves their own race and religion, we do what is right according to our teachings, and we do it properly without having to insult others,” Shafie said.

He said race and religion should not be divisive, especially in Sabah, where unity is said to be among the strongest in the country.

“People of multiple races and religions have been living peacefully together, and this should continue being our source of harmony and development,” said Shafie as he commented on an incident where Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau made a Facebook posting on religion being made use of decades ago in Sabah for political purposes.

Madius’ post resulted in multiple police reports lodged against him for insensitivity.

“Let us move forward and focus on developing Sabah,” Shafie said.- Star