SANDAKAN – Naming Sabah and Sarawak “region” (wilayah) will return their rightful status as partners in Malaysia, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Md Noor.
He said the Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s recent statement in Kuching that Sabah and Sarawak are not states, but regions, will strengthen the unity between East and West Malaysia.
“We agree to be a region. Sabah and Sarawak merged with the peninsula to form Malaysia. So, this will be returning Sabah and Sarawak their rightful status.”
Hajiji said this at a press conference yesterday after a dinner event with community leaders here.
He added that Sabah will soon receive some good news on its Malaysia Agreement (MA63) claims.
“We (Sabah) will present it (requests/claims) to the federal government nicely. The federal government is taking this (MA63) matter seriously, especially the prime minister. God willing, we will see positive development on this matter soon.”
On the possibility of a general election to be held after the emergency proclamation expires on August 1, Hajiji said Sabah Bersatu is ready and will support any Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidates to ensure they will win in the seats they will contest in.
“We have ordered Sabah Bersatu’s election machinery in each division to support any GRS candidate. If the general election does happen, we are ready.”
He also welcomes Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s statement that he will ensure Umno will not contest in the same seats with Bersatu.
“We welcome Bung’s decision, and this is the best way for us to work together to ensure that we will win more seats,” said Hajiji. – The Vibes, April 9, 2021
