“When it comes to reclaiming Sabah Rights, political parties should set aside and leaders should work together for the common interest of the people and the State they represent” said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief and Bingkor State Assemblyman, in responding to Datuk Lajim’s insinuation that he was being used by Umno and Barisan Nasional.
“On Sabah rights including the 40% net revenue entitlement of Sabah, in what way am I being used by BN when I am the one who raised it up and argued for it at almost every State Assembly sitting since elected in 2013”
“I have used every opportunity to raise up Sabah rights issues to get both the federal and Sabah governments’ attention and when PM Najib wants to listen through one of his Cabinet Ministers, why wouldn’t I take a chance and cooperate for the common good of Sabah and Sabahans?” added Dr. Jeffrey.
Lajim never showed any or little interest directly or indirectly even during in the DUN debates when it comes to Sabah rights or MA63 so I am not surprised that he was not part of the delegation invited to present the Sabah Memorandum on the special grant and additional revenues assigned to Sabah under the Federal Constitution.
Whether the Umno controlled federal government is sincere or not or merely playing politics, it is up to the people to judge.
We may not trust their words but they are the government of the day. By presenting the Memorandum, the federal government is given an opportunity to prove their words and sincerity in this particular case.
If Lajim wants to fight for Sabah’s rights, he is most welcomed to work within the United Sabah Alliance instead of being a tool of a Malayan party. The chances of restoring of Sabah rights will certainly be enhanced with a stronger and more united front in demanding the restoration from the federal government.
At the same time, if his party is sincere on restoring Sabah rights, Lajim should get his colleagues in Parliament to table the necessary motions in Parliament to get the federal government to pay the 40% entitlement and push the burden to BN MPs especially those from Sabah to vote on the motions.
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