PENAMPANG – Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan has shot down Parti Warisan Sabah’s claim that he has stopped fighting to uphold Sabahans’ rights as stipulated under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) after becoming part of the state government.
The Sabah Star president told the press here today that he has been continuing the push from within.
“I am not quiet. I am not repeating my way of doing things (when I was in the opposition) because I am now in the government. We try to do as much as possible to get what we want from the inside. I have been consistent wherever I am, and I also speak out in the government.
“Of course, the public doesn’t know about this, because I am in the MA63 committee, and I have been speaking within the committee. I do speak out. It is different to speak from the inside than speaking from the outside.
“I am who I am, and I fight for what we have.”
The remarks follow the allegation made against him by Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
On another note, Jeffrey, who is also deputy chief minister II and holds the agriculture and fisheries portfolio, said he is confident that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah administration can double the state’s revenue by the end of its term.
“In five years, I am confident that the state’s revenue will more than double, from RM4 billion (RM4.8 billion projected revenue for 2021) to RM8 billion, to RM10 billion, or maybe more.
“I won’t reveal it at the moment, but I know where to get the money from.”
He said his party is eyeing eight parliamentary seats in the 15th general election, but may be able to contest in only five following negotiations with its allies in Perikatan Nasional.
“First, I will defend my seat in Keningau. We have proposed to contest in several other constituencies, totalling eight, but after negotiations, we may get only five, but I am not able to tell which seats they are at the moment.
“If given the opportunity, we would like to contest everywhere, but we also recognise that there are other parties within PN, and we want to work together with them so that we will all win seats.”
He said several members of opposition parties, as well as independents, have met him, offering to collaborate in GE15.
“There is nothing odd about this. When it comes to elections, there are opportunities. Whether the person wins or not, they will try to get on the field.” – The Vibes, March 27, 2021
