KOTA KINABALU – Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Secretary-General Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has expressed optimism that there will be good news about the fulfilment of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) soon following the prime minister’s announcement on goodies for Sabah and Sarawak on Malaysia Day.
Bangkuai said that the MA63 issue has been PBS’s core struggle since its formation 36 years ago.
He said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s assurance during his visit to Sabah yesterday showed that he is sincere in meeting the demands of Sabahans and Sarawakians.
“The prime minister showed his sincerity with the assurance that all outstanding issues will be scrutinised, discussed, and resolved through the special council on MA63. We believe that there may be more positive announcements soon,” he said in a statement today.
Bangkuai, who is also the state’s tourism, culture and environment assistant minister, believes that leaders in Sabah and Sarawak want assurance of action on amending Article 1(2) and Article 160(2) of the federal constitution which deals with the definition of the federation, and to also review the special grants for both states, as stated in Article 112D and Schedule 10.
“We also concur with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on the importance of ensuring the remaining MA63 issues are seriously discussed.
“We have faith that with the PBS president’s (Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili) vast experience and knowledge on the matter, and as the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak affairs), he will not leave any stones unturned,” Bangkuai added.
Touching on the development funds, Bangkuai said the prime minister’s announcement of RM4.66 billion – under Rolling Plan 1 of the 12th Malaysia Plan to enhance economic development and improve the wellbeing of Sabahans – shows that he understands the infrastructure needs in both states, especially in rural areas.
“Rural infrastructure is among the issues that need to be addressed, particularly roads, electricity, and clean water supplies.
“Sabah also rightly deserves the RM3.61 billion allocation through the National Digital Network to further improve internet access in the state, which is still lacking, especially in far-flung areas which have poor internet coverage.
“We appreciate the development funds allocated for Sabah, but also hope for more since Sabah has been categorised as one of the poorest states in Malaysia, despite being known for its rich resources.
“We hope to narrow the development gap between these two regions and West Malaysia,” he said. –The Vibes, September 17, 2021.
