SANDAKAN: President of Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has asserted that Warisan is consistent in fighting for the rights of Sabah as contained in the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63).
He said that Warisan’s seriousness in fighting for MA63 was evident when the Federal Cabinet Minister from Warisan in 2019, the late Datuk VK Liew, played a crucial role in presenting the MA63 Bill in the Dewan Rakyat.
He said the demands included restoring the original status of Sabah and Sarawak as stipulated in the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63).
“Although the MA63 bill did not receive support from Members of Parliament, especially from a neighboring state, it cannot be denied that Warisan, through VK Liew, is a local party that truly fights for the people of Sabah and not just for political gain,” he said.
Mohd Shafie, who is also the former Chief Minister of Sabah, said this when speaking at the Parti Warisan gathering with the Chinese community in Sandakan on Saturday night.
In addition, he said Warisan is also the first local party that is truly committed to helping the people in land ownership matters.
Mohd Shafie said following complaints from the people of Sabah, Warisan, which ruled the state at the time, extended the land lease period from 99 years to 999 years, in addition to expediting the granting of land titles process.
He said in July 2020, the Warisan-led Sabah government implemented a five percent sales tax on all petroleum products in the state.
“We also stopped the direct export of Sabah timber and instead intensified the development of the state’s timber downstream industry to provide jobs for the people of this state,” he said.
Mohd Shafie said the Warisan government also increased scholarships for “our children” to continue their education, including overseas.
He said the Telibong 2 Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant (LRA) project was also initiated during that time.
Mohd Shafie hopes for the continued support of the diverse people of Sabah for Warisan in the upcoming PRN, for the better future and continuity of development in the state.
