KOTA KINABALU – Former foreign minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman has come out in support of Kota Belud MP Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis to allow the controversial seizure and claims by the Sulu sultanate to be debated in parliament.
“It is true that it is unwise to reveal Malaysia’s strategy on how to deal with the issue.
“However, how long are we supposed to keep silent on the matter? The people in Sabah want to know whether our sovereignty has been violated and whether the government is doing everything it can to defend its sovereignty.
“We are not asking the government to reveal anything confidential during the debate. I am sure every MP knows that some matters are confidential and are only privy to the very senior members of the cabinet,” he said in reference to Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun rejecting Isnaraissah’s motion two days ago.
Yesterday, Azhar stood his ground on not allowing debates on the seizure of Petronas assets by Sulu claimants, as he opined that this would compromise the government’s international response to the situation.
Anifah said it is the right of the MPs to debate the issue, as they represent the voice of the people, adding that Sabah MPs who called on for the debate are raising the concerns of all the people in the territory.
“I understand the motion has been submitted again to the speaker’s office and hope the issue would be allowed for debate.
“What use is there to practice democracy if the basic questions pertaining to sovereignty cannot be debated?
“This issue is dear to the hearts of every Sabahan. This is a matter of sovereignty and our security. The people of Sabah are tired of hearing the claims made by the alleged heirs of a defunct sultanate.
“We will work with anyone who also wishes to see this fight through. This is for the future of Sabah. We need a guarantee that the government really takes Sabah’s security seriously,” he added. – The Vibes, July 21, 2022
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