KOTA KINABALU: A local social activist, Remy Majangkiim, has observed small cracks emerging between the unity government partners, particularly Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
Remy used the analogy of marriage, stating that both partners in a marriage or partnership should have mutual respect, love, and understanding for each other. Those who disregard this sacred commitment will have a rocky ride ahead of them.
“If there is no love between them, criticising each other in the media or public, the fractures will become apparent soon, and this could result in a divorce, a disdain aftertaste possibly after the DUN is dissolved,” he said.
“Right now, it’s just the beginning. But let’s wait and see. I don’t want to say too much about this,” he said of the latest media spat over 40 percent revenue claim.
“But bear in mind that the world is changing; look around and see the US presidential race. Trump almost got assassinated in our lifetime, but he survives and raises his fist in defiance and is gaining momentum in this upcoming November presidential election. Slowly and surely, people started to rise and understand the meaning of “enough is enough.”.
Firing the latest salvo, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan had accused the Federal Government of not being serious in settling the 40 pct revenue claim. “I would say the real indicator will be the next Federal Budget tabling; if the Federal keep up with the current pace, ignoring the 40%, then the people of Sabah will have no recourse but to bring this matter to London.”.
The STAR Sabah president was quoted recently as expressing disappointment that there was no reply from the Federal Government despite July 18 being the deadline for the settlement of Sabah’s 40 percent net revenue claim.
“I want the Federal Government to be serious about implementing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), especially regarding Sabah’s rights to the 40 percent nett revenue, but the fact that no meeting and decision was made by today, July 18, 2024, when the 12-month proposed time frame will expire, shows that the Federal Government is not serious.
“How do you expect the people to be happy? Jeffrey was quoted as saying.
In defending the Madani Federal Government, UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick, in a Borneo Post report, had pressed the Sabah government for answers over “apparent delays” in submitting its proposal for its claim to 40% of state tax revenues.
“Sarawak submitted its proposal in February, while Upko had also submitted its proposal to the chief minister in January. Why couldn’t the state government do the same?
Ewon, who is part of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) technical committee, said the proposal was supposed to have been discussed on May 28, but it had to be delayed because the Sabah government’s proposal was not ready.
The Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives said the proposal was finally submitted one month before the July 18 deadline, months after other stakeholders had submitted their proposals.
UPKO is a member of PH, along with PKR, DAP, and Amanah.
Remy concluded that internal conflicts are common in Sabah’s political landscape prior to reaching a decision on the way forward.
For now, it remains to be seen if PH and GRS will work together in the forthcoming state election.
