KOTA KINABALU – Putrajaya only started paying attention to the issue of restoring the rights of Sabah and Sarawak in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 because the two states are seen as “fixed deposits” for certain political parties.
United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau did not mince words when he lambasted the federal government for taking measures only when “it is forced to do so.”
“The federal government did not care (about Sabah) and had the intention to strip off Sabah’s rights as shown in the amendment of Article 1(2) of the federal constitution in 1976, and Article 122 of the federal constitution in 1994.
“The federal government has only recently started to fight for Sabah and Sarawak’s rights only when it is pushed and forced to do so.”
Tangau said this in his policy speech during the Upko conference in Sabah Cultural Centre Hall in Penampang here, today.
He added that the people have to realise that Sabah and Sarawak have had various rights denied by the federal government, particularly through the amendments made to the federal constitution 58 years ago.
It happened because there was a tendency to centralise powers and decision-making in Putrajaya. Furthermore, the leaders, especially the ministers and representatives from Sabah and Sarawak, were not alert and not concerned in conducting their responsibilities in the cabinet and in Parliament.”
The Tuaran MP said, when Sabah fights for its 40% cut of the revenue Putrajaya collects from the state, there are parties claiming that this would cause the federal government to lack funds.
“However, this issue does not exist because this is about entitlement; this is about the condition that had led Sabah to agree to form Malaysia in 1963.”
Tangau also said Upko is determined to implement the decentralisation agenda which would be followed by democratisation of government units at all levels, including local authorities and village committees.
“Decentralisation and democratisation is an important agenda in the process of fighting for the rakyat. Let the people choose their leaders and let them decide and plan the development that they need. These government units must also be empowered by providing them with an annual budget.”
Meanwhile, Tangau’s party has launched a mobile application called “My Upko” today.
All of Upko’s communication will be digitised through the app. The app also provides news articles, videos, and the latest party developments for its members.
“Digitalisation is one of Upko’s fights for a way forward. With this, the fight is continued by taking a step forward as leaders of the people’s fights. This move is in line with the Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) fight for the people to progress with PH.”
Tangau said, with Upko now being a PH component party since August 26, it needs to have a paradigm change.
“The first change is that we are now in the opposition bloc. Hence, we must act as the opposition. When bringing the people’s problems, we must side with the rakyat. It is our responsibility to understand the people’s problems, but it is the government that needs to act to solve their problems.
“As long as the government is not acting, we must be loud and fight with focus, courage and sincerity. We are not afraid. The people will continue to be with us,” he said. – The Vibes, November 27, 2021
