KOTA KINABALU: Ask Nicely. Those were the words uttered by the Prime Minister of Malaysia regarding Sabah’s 40%. It was directed to the Government MP of Sabah and further reiterated his view backwards.
In the recent Harvest Festival, the Prime Minister announced that the Federal Government has allocated RM 16 billion yearly to the state. This was reciprocated with a thunderous roar of the crowd in the hall.
Social media was surprised by the lack of knowledge and responsibility of the Federal Government regarding the State of Sabah, their partner (not part of Malaysia) in the formation of Malaysia.
Sabahans should be grateful for what the Federal Government has done so far with a tone akin to scolding a child for their misbehaviour. This was the underlying message of the Prime Minister. The recent case of the Sabah Law Society on the matter of the 40% revenue in the Sabah High Court has opened the eyes of the people.
The former Sabah State Attorney General, with one swift comment, has unified the people of Sabah towards a common cause, similar to the way the former Chief Minister of Sabah back in 1985 did.
Where does it all begin? Historically, after the formation of Malaysia and Singapore’s exit (1965–1966), the Federation of Malaysia was in an emergency ordinance after racial riots in May 1969. This has led to the longest emergency period that lasted over 40 years. This transferred power to the Federal Government and put a hold on the Malaysia Agreement to take effect.
After the general election that led to the fall of Najib’s Barisan Nasional and UMNO being replaced by Pakatan Harapan 1.0. During Najib’s premiership, he lifted the emergency ordinance, leading to unexpected and troublesome consequences. The Federal Government needs to reboot the failing system and return the lost rights of their partner.
However, doing so means changing the whole financial arrangement and the power of the Federal Government. This ultimately changed the political dynamic of Malaysia. Sabah has long for development that was sledging on a snail’s pace; the people are restless and yearn for change.
This is where we are today: Warisan was actively pursuing Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement of 1963, while others were either ignoring it or just learning about it. Warisan made a significant impact during its one year of administrating the state before being toppled by internal betrayal.
As a reminder, all 222 Members of Parliament swore an oath to the Yang di Pertuan Agong to uphold the Federal Constitution. It is their sacred duty to govern the country according to the framework of the Federal Constitution and manner agreed in an international agreement.
“We are not beggars but citizens who only want what is rightfully ours, as agreed upon and potected under the Constitution.”
