SABAH Progressive Party (SAPP) has backed STAR President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan’s call to keep Malayan political parties out of Sabah, stating that the state’s governance should be led solely by Sabahans and local parties.
Party President Datuk Yong Teck Lee questioned the withdrawal of the 2021 lawsuit over Sabah's 40% tax revenue, highlighting that all lawmakers involved were from Pakatan Harapan.
“Is it a coincidence that none of the Malayan parties support allocating 35% of parliamentary seats to Sabah and Sarawak?” he asked, adding that leaders of these “national parties” are subservient to their Kuala Lumpur masters.
Yong accused Malayan parties of undermining Sabah’s autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and called for Sabah elections to remain under local control.
He said the growing demand for autonomy has been building since 2008 and gained momentum after Barisan Nasional’s fall in 2018, but the federal government has failed to deliver results.
“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave the MA63 committee a one-month deadline in December 2022, yet 24 months later, the issue remains unresolved,” Yong said.
He warned that federal appeals over Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement appear to be a delaying tactic aimed at strengthening Malayan parties ahead of the state election.
“What will become of Sabah’s autonomy if they succeed?” he asked.
SAPP reaffirmed its commitment to defending Sabah’s rights and autonomy, urging Sabahans to stand against external interference. - December 11, 2024
