Form roundtable secretariat to fight for MA63, suggests Sabah Umno leader

KOTA KINABALU: A roundtable secretariat comprising members from all political parties in Sabah should be set up to fight for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), suggested a Sabah Umno leader.

Its election director Jeffrey Nor Mohamed said this secretariat is to discuss issues relating to MA63 and to finetune the 40% revenue entitlement for the state.

“Sabah Umno can chair this secretariat seeing that we are both a local and national party and is the largest party of a coalition at the federal level,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Dec 3).

He feels that this step would bring benefit for the state and ensure that all rights under MA63 can be fulfilled.

“Sabah Umno is adamant to fight for the rights of Sabahans and it is our priority to ensure that we get what we are entitled to,” said Jeffrey, adding that it would be irresponsible for them to not voice up and continue fighting for Sabah rights.

He said the impact would not be as huge or significant if this matter was only brought up by the four Sabah MPs.

“If we were all to stand up and unite to speak for one common goal, it would give a bigger impact to the claim,” he said.

This statement comes after four Sabah MPs led by Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Madius Tangau called for a press conference asking about a government gazette on the interim payment to Sabah, instead of giving the 40% owed.

Madius had asked for an explanation for this gazette and what formula was used to come up with a sum of RM300mil interim payment that was given to the state recently.

“There is no need to point fingers at anyone. All of us know that this claim was made together when we were in the same government in the past,” Jefrrey said.

He said what has happened, has happened and it was time for them all to move forward and to look at this matter in a more serious note and to solve the issue at hand.

“A roundtable secretariat is the best move for all parties in Sabah to find a solution on this matter, especially with regards to the 40% net revenue payment owed to Sabah,” he added.