KOTA KINABALU – The federal government has short-changed Sabah in many aspects and this is why state leaders must push for the implementation of state rights, said Warisan’s Senallang assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
The former chief minister said there have been many sweet promises for development when Sabah was invited to join Malaysia in the 1960s, but those promises were left unfulfilled while the Land Below the Wind suffered from being sidelined.
As an example of the state being sidelined by federal authorities, Shafie pointed out the Covid-19 allocation where Kota Kinabalu only received RM1.8 billion out of the RM530 billion that was approved.
“Is this the thing we want to hear? Sabah is not just one of the largest states in Malaysia, many of its people are infected by Covid-19. Deaths average between 20 and 30 cases daily.
“Not only do we have the highest daily death toll, we also have the highest infection rate, but the steps taken by the federal administration are disappointing. For instance, the number of vaccines received by Sabah is the lowest.
“While other states have better vaccination rates, Sabah only had 37% vaccination rate at one point. Even though we have more than 50% vaccination rate today, other states are doing better,” said Shafie when debating the governor’s address at the Sabah assembly today.
The Warisan president pointed out that Perikatan Nasional’s decision to give Sabah less is even more baffling seeing that some senior citizens are being denied oxygen treatment as they are allegedly not the government’s priority.
He added that this decision is not a global standard practice, seeing that the health service is about saving lives instead of ending them.
Shafie recalled the hope among Sabahans when Malaysia was conceived in the 1960s, where the federal administration was supposed to handle these issues.
The Semporna MP said Sabahans were enticed and convinced to join Malaysia, which was formalised in 1963 due to the progress they observed being enjoyed by Peninsular Malaysians.
Shafie said Sabah elected representatives must demand for what is just for Sabah, adding that this is not about equity, but about asking what is fair for the state.
He said after many Malaysia Plans, Sabah has remained backwards since the formation of the country.
Citing that the dealing of Covid-19 is not the only incidence of Sabah being sidelined by Putrajaya, he said Sabah also has the highest unemployment rate of 8.8%.
Shafie said the Malaysia Agreement 1963 is an international treaty, but what has happened now is the overlapping of powers between the federal and state government.
“Sabah is also the highest oil producer in the country with over 34% from national production. In 1974, Sabah had to give up 95% of its revenue rights, but this 95% is still enforced until today,” he said.
Towards this end, Shafie said the federal constitution joint list must be updated as it has never been reviewed since 1974.
He said the special annual grant given by the federal government is too small.
“The net revenue collection of 40% should be returned to Sabah as stated under the 10th Schedule of Article 112 of the federal constitution.
“The outstanding amount of special allocation to Sabah stands around RM50 billion,” he said. – The Vibes, September 22, 2021
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