KOTA KINABALU: Despite facing various negative comments, Sabah UMNO remains steadfast in defending the rights of the state of Sabah, particularly concerning the state’s executive powers in immigration matters.
Recently, UMNO Sabah has become the first political party to courageously rise to defend Sabah’s rights over immigration.
This was evident when businessman Albert Tei attempted to use legal recourse against the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor, to seek clarification regarding the ban on his entry into the state of Sabah.
In response, Sabah UMNO described Albert Tei’s challenge to the executive powers of the state of Sabah regarding immigration as inappropriate and a violation of the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“The autonomy of Sabah’s immigration is a right of the state that must be defended, not challenged in court.
“No one is above the law. This immigration power is the prerogative of the state government,” said the Chief Secretary of Sabah UMNO’s War Room, Abdul Aziz Julkarnain.
Many local political observers view UMNO Sabah’s stance as firm, positive, and convincing, reflecting the party’s commitment to championing the welfare and rights of the people of Sabah.
Previously, former Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak, was quoted as saying that the struggle for Sabah’s rights is not the exclusive domain of any local party.
Instead, the Usukan assemblyman emphasised that it is a collective responsibility of all the people of Sabah who wish to see the future of the state safeguarded.
Salleh, who is also the Treasurer of UMNO Sabah, stated that the notion that only local parties are entitled to speak on Sabah’s rights often arises.
“In reality, this struggle belongs to all the people of Sabah and is not the exclusive right of any party,” he added.
