KOTA KINABALU – The promise to return 100% of Sabah’s rights enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) must be fulfilled now that Umno is back in power, said Parti Cinta Sabah president Datuk Seri Anifah Aman today.
The former Kimanis MP said there should be no dilly-dallying nor excuses on the matter as Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had himself assured that no constraints would hinder them from being fulfilled.
“The Umno president had sworn to Sabahans to implement MA63 100%.
“Now that the party is back in power there, it must fulfil it, as sworn.
“I have always respected Zahid and believe he is a man of his word,” he said in a statement in conjunction with Malaysia Day tomorrow.
When campaigning in the Kimanis by-election last year, Zahid had reportedly pledged to “implement the MA63 100%” if Barisan Nasional, through Umno, returned to power.
Umno is back at the helm of the federal government, with its vice-president Datuk Seri Ismail Yaakob appointed prime minister.
“On behalf of all Sabahans, I state my demand to the prime minister and Umno president for fulfilment of the promise and 100% implementation of the MA63.
“I repeat, it’s 100%. Not even 0.1% less.”
He said no more committees should be established to look into the matter, as what the people want now is to see how Umno keeps its word.
“During my time, it even reached the cabinet. So, let’s stop forming committees. Sabahans have realised that, each time there is a change of government, a new committee is formed to look into matters concerning MA63,” he said.
Anifah said Sabahans have been fooled for a long time by delaying tactics and false hope from the federal government on MA63.
“The committees tasked on the matters set up over the years have failed to show any concrete actions.
“After all, everything that was promised by Zahid in Kimanis was straightforward and clear.
“He promised it would be fulfilled and implemented if it returned to Putrajaya. So, let it be done. It’s plain and simple.”
In congratulating Ismail Sabri Yaakob on being appointed prime minister, Anifah said he believes the Umno veteran is fully aware of the aspirations of Sabahans and will ensure that Sabah’s rights under the MA63 is fully returned to them and the state.
“Ismail Sabri is a leader of high principles and integrity as well as being a man of his word, having worked with him for over 10 years.
“With the current unsteady political situation in the country, pressure is mounting on the new government, led by Ismail Sabri, to fully return the special rights of Sabah as well as neighbouring Sarawak.
“Both states have long demanded full recognition as equal partners, not mere states, in the formation of Malaysia.
“We hope that this Malaysia Day, there will be a favourable announcement for the people of Sabah.” – The Vibes, September 15, 2021
