KOTA KINABALU: The suggestion to upgrade the position of Chief Minister of Sabah to Premier, similar to Sarawak, is fitting and well-timed, according to former Petagas Assemblyman Datuk James Lingunjang.
He emphasised that this move also carries symbolic importance by showcasing the special partnership between these two states and their crucial role in the establishment of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.
Lingunjang stressed the necessity for the leaders of Sabah and Sarawak to have comparable status and authority similar to Deputy Prime Ministers of Malaysia.
In his latest social media post, he highlighted the significance of this equality in maintaining the principles of a federation.
Furthermore, Lingunjang expressed the importance of acknowledging that Sabah and Sarawak should not be considered merely equal to the 11 states in Malaya forming the Federation of Malaya, but as equal partners alongside Malaya in the creation of Malaysia.
He elaborated that elevating the Chief Minister to Premier in both states would emphasize their uniqueness and importance within the Federation of Malaysia.
Lingunjang believed that this step would reinforce the concept of a balanced partnership among all states, emphasizing the distinctive historical and political context of Sabah and Sarawak’s involvement in the Federation of Malaysia.
He said that this proposal goes beyond a mere change in title, aiming to affirm the equal status and significance of Sabah and Sarawak within the Federation of Malaysia.