Imagine Musa Tabling a RM40 Billion 2014 Sabah Budget–Dr.Jeffrey

Kota Kinabalu:  “The Chief Minister should be able to table a record-breaking RM40 billion Sabah Budget for 2014, if the calls by Malay ultras to chase out Christian Malaysians and Sabah out of the Federation are realized before year-end”said DatukDr. Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief, rueing what could happen to the Sabah economy for 2014 with the CM due to present the 2014State Budget  .

The RM40 billion budget, a ten-fold increase from the historical RM4.048 billion spent for 2013, will set Sabah’s economy into lift-off into the super league of wealthy nations. 

It may be a record of sorts but RM40 billion revenue is a conservative estimate.  Oil revenue will contribute RM20 billion, half of the total revenue, which is not unexpected given the current world oil prices of above USD100 per barrel.   The federal tax department announced it could collect up to RM40 billion for 2013 from Sabah.

Add to it, all the federal departments’ collections from Sabah could be another several billion ringgit.  The corporate sector could contribute many billions more now that they will have to pay tax on revenue based on income derived from Sabah.  Palm oil revenue could be very significant as Sabah is the world’s third biggest producer of crude palm oil, about 36% of Malaysia’s total of about RM73 billion a year.

Local contribution of State revenue is estimated another RM2.4 billion based on 2013’s estimated revenue of  RM3.828 billion inclusive of RM1.42 billion from federal coffers.  In fact, looking at the figures, the 2014 Budget could exceed RM60 billion all in.

For 2013, the estimated expenditure was RM663.17 million for emoluments, recurrent expendituresof RM1,087.93 million and special expendituresof RM2,337.38 million (which formed the bulk of the RM2.42 billion development expenditure).

Giving a 6% increase, the emoluments will rise to RM702.96 million and RM1,153.21 million for recurrent expenditures, totalling RM1,856.17 million.  

To create a quantum leap in the economy and development, each of the 60 Constituencies could be allocated RM300 million each (RM25 million per month), totalling RM18 billion, a 7-1/2 times increase from 2013.  In other words, Sabah will get development in a single year of what would take 7-1/2 years to achieve given the 2013 Budget. And to alleviate the people’s financial position, each of the 3.2 million Sabahans will be given a RM1,000 special dividend which will utilize another RM3.2 billion.

The total Budget expenditure will total RM23.05717 billion leaving a surplus of RM16.94283 billion.

Assuming Sabah takes back control of the security forces comprising some 16,000 police, PGA and maritime personnel, which may cost Sabah another RM600 million.    Putting aside RM1.0 billion should be able to cover the additional costs of assuming State control of the security forces including 5,000 army personnel.

That would still leave a healthy and hefty RM15.94 billion to be added to Sabah’s reserves which is said to be about RM3 billion currently.

Even with prudent financial planning, Selangor, the richest Malaysian state only managed to increase its State reserves from RM700 million in 2008 to RM3 billion in 2013.

Imagine RM15.94 billion reserves in 2014 alone, Selangor would seem poor in comparison and probably take another 20 years to catch up.   The RM15.94 billion reserves will result in each and every Sabahan having a healthy credit balance of RM4,981 compared to the national debt of some RM600 billion or RM21,000 debt for every Malaysian.

In fact, Sabah would be in the company of Singapore and Brunei.  Speaking of Brunei, petrol and diesel price in Sabah could be at RM1.35 per litre, equivalent to Brunei.

The RM40 billion Budget is not wishful thinking.  It will be reality if the federal government agree with and allow the Malay ultras to succeed in chasing out Sabah from the Federation.  It’s something for each and every Sabahan to ponder on.

Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan

Chairman, STAR Sabah

13 November 2013

EPU Report Re-Affirms Chronic Poverty in Sabah–Dr.Jeffrey

Kota Kinabalu:    “The recent disclosures of the poverty and abject poverty figures for Sabah, Sarawak and the nation by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) of the PM’s Department clearly contradicts the rosy picture painted by the Sabah government on the alleviation of poverty in Sabah," said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief, commenting on the poverty levels in Sabah.

According to EPU figures, Sabah had 53.5% of the abject poor households in the nation while Sarawak accounted for 11.4%.   In the poor household category, Sabah had 39.3% while Sarawak had 11.7%. 

No.	Description	Sabah	Sarawak	Peninsula	National
1	No. of abject poor households	8,457 (53.5%)	1,801 (11.4%)	5,547 (35.1%)	15,805 (100%)
2	No. of poor households	42,400 (39.3%)	12,600 (11.7%)	53,000 (49.0%)	108,000 (100%)

Whatever the cut-off points in the definition of abject poor and poor categories and the number of households involved, the percentages reveal glaring failures of the federal and Sabah governments in resolving the poverty problems in Sabah.  

The efforts of the Sabah government in reducing poverty levels in Sabah are poor and miserable compared to the efforts of the Sarawak government, if the numbers of the Prime Minister’s Department are relied upon.   Yet, the Sabah government has been boasting that they have done a good job in reducing poverty in Sabah.

In truth, in the villages and even in urban and suburban areas of Sabah, one only need to see and ask casually of the poverty levels and it will not be surprising that there are more than 8,457 abject poor households and 42,400 poor households.    The real numbers will probably be 5 to 10 times more.

The irony of it all that while Sabah and Sarawak are the poorest in Malaysia, they are the two (2) biggest oil and gas producers and contributed about RM18 billion and RM45 billion respectively to Petronas and the federal government in 2012.   On their part, Sabah only received about RM941 million and Sarawak RM2.37 billion for their 5% share.

As a figurative comparison to totally resolve the 8,457 and 1,801 households in Sabah and Sarawak, it will only cost a one-off sum of RM820.64 million.   This is derived by giving each household the equivalent of RM80,000 comprising a house costing RM40,000 and another RM40,000 in special agricultural grant to develop their own 15 acres plot of land.   Assuming a RM300 monthly return on each acre of their agriculture, they will be each getting RM4,500 per month in household income, higher than most university graduates’ income.   

What is RM820 million compared to the RM63 billion of oil and gas “stolen”annually from Sabah and Sarawak?

  

On a more serious note, the Sabah government should take immediate steps look into and help solve the poverty problems of these 8,457 and 42,400 households.

One of the most immediate steps that can be taken by the Sabah government is to seek an immediate increase of the oil payment from 5% to 20% from Petronas and the federal government which will bring Sabah an additional revenue of RM2,823.75 billion based on 2012 figures given by the Sabah government.

This 20% is not wishful thinking as it has even been declared by the Chief Minister that the government will be seeking a review of the oil payment.   Unless of course, this is an empty promise and election gimmick given during the run-up the GE-13.

And the Sabah coffers will be further increased with return of the 40% net revenue collected by the federal government from Sabah as provided under the Tenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.

Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan

Chairman, STAR Sabah

12 November 2013

Re-convene RCI Urgently to Investigate Fake ICs–Dr.Jeffrey

Kota Kinabalu:“PM Najib and the Royal Commission of Inquiry on Illegal Immigrants in Sabah (RCI) should take immediate steps to re-convene and hear fresh and further evidence from new witnesses from security guardsarrested recently with fake ICs including the AmBank murder cum robbbery suspect," said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief, commenting on news of the arrest of the AmBank case suspect and other arrests of foreigners with fake ICspurportedly given in Sabah but alleged to be Sabahans.                                          

The spate of arrests of fake Sabahans and fake ICs would give a fresh lead to the RCI to probe deeper into the issuance of fake ICs in Sabah and the stealing of identities as alleged Sabahans.                          

The further inquiry would also give an opportunity for the authorities to investigate the issuance of the fake ICs through the wide powers and scope of investigations under the RCI.                          

The investigations would also help to clear the misconceptions circulating against genuine Sabahans in the Peninsular who are viewed with suspicions that they may be illegals and their ICs are fakes.  It is unacceptable for genuine and innocent Sabahans to bear the brunt of the consequences of the fake ICs given in Sabah to foreigners.

Last but not least, further investigations may very well lead all the way to the culprits responsible for the issuance of fake or dubious ICs and MyKads in Sabah.                         

If the RCI is not re-convened, it will only lead to further speculations and suspicions against the Najibadministration  and the impartiality and ultimate and true objective of the RCI.           

Surely, the PM would not wish his hands to be tainted with accusations of cover-up of the culprits responsible for the fake ICs and to protect their Umno/BN voters for hire and that the RCI is a political tool and gimmick to fool genuine Sabahans.                     

At the same time, the RCI would not wish to be branded as a toothless tiger and used by the federal government and not really serious to dig deep into the roots of the problems of illegals, issuance of dubious ICs and now fake MyKads and voters for hire recruited by the Umno special taskforce led by current Umno leaders.

“On behalf of the silent majority and as an elected representative, I am making this special and urgent appeal to PM Najib and theRCI to re-convene the RCI hearings to hear fresh evidence of the fake ICs from Sabah and the fake Sabahan security guards.  I am quite sure most of right thinking Sabahans and Malaysians will support my appeal," said Dr Jeffrey.                                         

The ball is now at the feet of PM Najib and the RCI.

Datuk Dr.Jeffrey Kitingan

Chairman, STAR Sabah

10 November 2013

Don’t Settle for Anything Less–Dr.Jeffrey

Kota Kinabalu: “The MPs from Sabah and Sarawak are kingmakers and can make or break the Umno/BN federal government.  PRS and SPDP must stand firm and seek their just entitlements in the federal Cabinet and not accept crumbs posts any longer,” said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief in response to the impending Cabinet reshuffle promised by PM Najib to announced anytime soon.

The Borneo States saved the Barisan Nasional from losing power in the recent general election and helped keep Najib as the Prime Minister by winning 47 parliamentary seats.  But it only takes 23 out of the 47 seats to change the federal government and for the PM to become the federal Opposition Leader. 

Hence, these MPs need to constantly remind the PM and the federal government that Sabah and Sarawak are crucial for its political survival and areequal partners to Malaya in the formation of Malaysia.

The times for giving “Menteri Jalan-jalan” to Borneo MPs just to fill up positions and appease Borneo-based parties are gone.  Neither is a chairmanship of a 1-Malaysia cow-dung committee acceptable.

Both PRS and SPDP have 10 MPs and giving them 1 minister and 2 deputies are not acceptable.   If MIC with 4 MPs are given 2 ministerial and 2 deputy posts, there is no reason not to give PRS and SPDP 4 full ministerial positions.

The Sarawak federal lawmakers should not just stop with ministerial positions.  Along with their ministerial responsibilities, there must be allocations and discretion and power to decide on projects in Sarawak to bring development in all aspects.  It is not rocket science or opposition rhetoric that both States lag far behind in development and progress compared to even rural Malaya.

Budget 2014 announced by the PM recently with a miserly RM2 billion allocations for Sabah and Sarawak including RM500 million for the Pan-Borneo Highway will not go far in speeding up development.

Most importantly, the Sarawak MPs must seek the restoration of the oil and gas ownership rights and getting only 5% with the other 95% going to Petronas and the federal government is no longer acceptable.    They need to support their Chief Minister who had voiced recently that Sarawak intends to seek a review of the oil payments due to Sarawak.

The Sarawak MPs will not be faulted if they just seek the oil and gas rights for Sarawak alone and leave the Sabah’s oil and gas issue to Sabah MPs.

While they are at it, they should extend their discussions with the PM to include the rights, privileges and autonomy of the Borneo States that were taken away or eroded since 1963.   These rights and privileges were promised and assured by the Malayan leaders including provisions in the Malaysia Agreement and the 20/18 Points.

For the record, the PM himself has in the run-up the GE-13 and during the Malaysia 50th anniversary celebrations reiterated that the 20-Points for Sabah were still relevant and that Sabah and Sarawak were equal partners in the formation of Malaysia.

In the Cabinet reshuffle, the Sarawak MPs should not just accept minor positions and seek their just entitlements for Sarawak and not settle for anything less.

Sabah and Sarawak are not demanding for more than their entitlements or taking away any entitlements or rights from other parties.The current realities of the political power wielded by the Borneo States can make things happen.  Just ask and it may be given, demand and it will be given by the PM to safeguard his position.

Who knows? If the Borneo States push hard enough, Sabah and Sarawak may just be booted out of Malaysia just like Singapore.

Datuk Dr.Jeffrey Kitingan

Chairman, STAR Sabah

05 November 2013

“Recall all ICs Issued in Sabah and Issue a new Sabah IC–Dr.Jeffrey”

Kota Kinabalu:    “There is now no other viable option available to the federal government but to recall all ICs issued in Sabahif the federal government is serious to overcome the fake ICs problem now growing menacingly in the Peninsula,” said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief on the sudden discovery and increasing number of fake Mykads issued in Sabah and used for crimes in the Peninsula.

The problem of fake MyKads and the weeding out of illegal holders of MyKads can be resolved easily if the federal government is serious to tackle the problem.

All that is need is for the National Registration Department (NRD) to produce the records of every birth certificate and identity card issued in Sabah from 16 September 1963 and verily them.   It may be long and tedious but it can be done and should be considered for the sake of national security.

It has to be remembered that there could be as many as 1.5 million fake MyKads out there purportedly issued to illegals in Sabah since the 1970s.

Considering the tragic murder of an innocent bank office cum mother of two young kids, the goldsmith shop robbery and the discovery of 20 security guards with fake MyKads, the potential threat to the nation is alarming and frightening.  They could be just the tip of the iceberg.

With due respect to the innocent victims and their families, these incidents are a blessing in disguise for Sabah as well as for the nation.   It has helped to capture the attention of the entire nation of the monster problem festering in Sabah all this while.

With the benefit of hindsight, the fake MyKad incidents and the unsurprising discoveries and revelations at the recently concluded RCI on illegal immigrants in Sabah, one cannot help but point an accusing finger at the federal leaders and the NRD and the Election Commission for their dirty hands involvement.

“Who can we trust now?  Can the federal government and the federal agencies be relied upon to protect and safeguard the interests and safety of Sabahans” he queried.

The Sabah government, he said, should seriously consider taking drastic and urgent steps to ensure the better security of Sabah and its people by setting up a HOMELAND SECURITY MINISTRY and DEPARTMENT to complement and supplement the shortcomings of the federal agencies in protecting the people in Sabah.

“This is the only way to ensure that the security and sovereignty of Sabah are genuinely protected” stressed Dr. Jeffrey.

The rhetoric statements of the then de-facto Minister for Law and Home Minister that the illegal immigrants in Sabah do not pose a security risk are all hogwash to hoodwink the people.  It has also create a false sense of security to the people in the Peninsula but not in Sabah where the locals feel the fear and insecurity caused by the illegals many of whom are Umno members.

The 2010 national census showed that there are 889,770 legal and illegal foreigners in Sabah.

Looking at the failures of the federal government and the federal agencies, the Sabah government need to take full control of the State immigration and national registration departments to ensure the laws are implemented and to safeguard the sovereignty of Sabah as well as the security and well-being of all Sabahan Malaysians.

The Homeland Security Department can then issue a new Sabah IC for all genuine Sabahans.  This way, the federal government will not be able to issue MyKads to illegals as Sabahans.

If the federal government wish to continue issuing the dubious MyKads to illegals and foreigners, they can send all of them to stay in Putrajaya and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and other States in the Peninsula and they deal with the crime and social problems created by these fake MyKad holders.   The federal government need to be reminded that every Sabahan is a Malaysian but not every Malaysian is a Sabahan.


Datuk Dr.Jeffrey Kitingan
Chairman, STAR Sabah
03 November 2013

“Charge the Culprits Responsible for Issuing Fake ICs–Dr.Jeffrey”

Kota Kinabalu: "The Prime Minister, Home Minister, National Registration Department (NRD) and the Police are complicit and as guilty as the foreigners holding fake MyKads if they do not investigate further and charge the culprits responsible for issuing the fake Mykads,” said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief on the sudden discovery and increasing number of fake Mykads.

It is not mere coincidence or the mere negligence or slipshod error of a single officer in the NRD that there are so many fake MyKads discovered now.   More so, when these people are employed as security guards and are supposed to assist in keeping the peace and security, not commit more crimes.

There should be a full and proper investigation and back-tracking of the fake MyKads now seized from the on-going court cases,   There should be a long trial of evidence if proper forensic investigation are carried out that.  The evidence will eventually lead to the culprits responsible for the issuance of the fakeMyKads.

Citing the example of a native from Bingkor, Keningau, whose identity card was used as a fake MyKad by a foreigner, the native had reported the loss of his IC and was given a replacement card.  How is it possible for another MyKad to be issued or used by the foreigner who had committed the goldsmith shop robbery?

The authoritiescannot and should not leave the matter hanging after the charging and conviction of the foreigners holding the fake MyKads because that is not the end of the story.  There is every reason to investigate further and get to the root of the problem unless there is an ulterior motive to protect the culprits.   If not, the problem will continue recurring.

The culprits have committed treason and protecting the culprits is as guilty as treason itself.   The future and the well-being of all Malaysians are more important than protecting a small number of criminals no matter how their criminal activities have advanced the political interests of certain groups.

The Prime Minister, Home Minister, NRD and the Police must therefore act in the larger interest of the nation and the majority and not to protect the culprits and must show to the world that they are not in the banana republic of Malaysia.

If they are incompetent or not competent enough or do not possess the know-how or do not have the expertise to investigate further, the federal government should invite the US Federal Bureau of Investigation or Interpol to assist in the investigations.

Previously, the issue of illegals being issued fake MyKads was confined to Sabah.   Now that the problem has been exported to the Peninsula and causing havoc with serious crimes and murder, the PM should seize the opportunity to act and correct the mistakes of past leaders before the nation goes down the drain.

Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan

Chairman, STAR Sabah

02 November 2013

“Stamp Out Imported Malayan Hegemony – Dr. Jeffrey”

Kota Kinablau:   “The Sabah government must assert its authority and stamp out any attempt to impose imported Malayan hegemony over Sabah and her citizens”said Datuk Dr.Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief in voicing his concerns over the sudden and unusual transfer of 7 non-Malay Sessions judges/magistratesto the Peninsular.

It is highly unusual that 7 Borneo native non-Muslim judges and magistrates are transferred in one go.  This transfer and consequential replacements with Malayans raise doubts and questions over the motives of the federal leaders in their treatment of Sabahans/Sarawakians.  

“Is this part of the Federal government’sMalayanization programme?” asked Dr. Jeffrey, “and isn’t their replacements contradictory with the Borneonization set out under the 20-Points and the Malaysia Agreement”.

The issue of transfers, Borneonization and rights of Sabahans/Sarawakians are important aspects of the special rights and privileges of Sabah and Sarawak agreed in the formation of Malaysia. 

“Is there no government in Sabah to look after Sabahans? Has the Sabah government been consulted? 

Is the Sabah government aware of this? Has the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak being consulted?” queried Dr. Jeffrey.

“It seems to me that the Federal government no longer respect thespecial rights and privileges of Sabah and Sarawak.” opined Dr. Jeffrey.

“I would like to know what is the official stand of the Sabah government.

More questions are raised when one considers the rumours and speculations circulating around over this transfer move by the federal judicial and legal service.

At the outset of the formation of Malaysia, it was agreed that there would be a High Court of Borneo, now known as the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak and the appointment of judicial officers and commissioners do not rest with the federal authorities.

While the lower courts officers come under the judicial and legal service commission, the federal government need to take cognizance that Sabah has its own set of local laws and customary laws and is not ruled by federal law alone.    The land laws take cognizance of local native customary rights and the local native customary laws and are alien to Malayans, as if it is from another world compared to Sabah.

In the dispensation of justice, Sabahans are entitled to and expect to be judged by qualified persons and knowledge of local laws and customs should a pre-requisite in Sabah. The rumours and speculations are adding fuel to the fire.  As it is, the Director of the Courts is a Muslim from Malaya.   So is the Chief Registrar of the Courts which is traditionally held by a Borneo native.

“Is the transfer move an attempt to prevent a local native from being promoted?   Is the move a pre-cursor to bring in another Muslim Malay from the Peninsula?”

Whatever the motive or objective of the transfer move and subsequent replacement exercise, the Sabah government and the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak need to look into the matter and assert their authority as Sabah and Sabahans expect them to do.

As aptly stated by the Chief Minister of Sarawak in the presence of the Prime Minister, the Sabah government must do likewise and stop any attempt to impose Malayan Muslim hegemony in Sabah.  There is no place in Sabah for such race and religion extremism.

Datuk Dr.Jeffrey Kitingan

Chairman, STAR Sabah

31 October 2013

“How Can MyKads Issued by NRD be Fakes? – Dr. Jeffrey”

Kota Kinablau:   “The federal government should admit that there is now a serious problem of identifying who is a genuine Malaysian and who is not becuase of the rampant unlawful issuance of MyKads to foreigners”said DatukDr.Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief in response to the arrest of 20 security guards with fake Mykads.

The abuses of the National Registration Department (NRD) facilities by certain political group to serve their political agenda has now reached national proportions that will eventually destroy this nation if left unresolved.

“I doubt whether these are really fake MyKads” questioned Dr. Jeffrey.

“How is it possible for the companies to recruit these people in the first place, if they didn’t have a genuine MyKad” he asked further.   

“Or do they (MyKads) become fakes only if they do something wrong.   Whether or not they are fakes these are likely to be the product of the Project IC in Sabah”.

The governmentcannot and should not continue to deny the existence of the so-called “Project IC” or whatever name they are called and there are evidences that the issuance of dubious MyKads are this happening.

People are now wondering what is going to happen to the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) which has recently concluded hearings for this purpose?

How ironic it is for us to establish ESCOM/ESSZONE toprotect Sabah from external intrusion and invasion when the government also know that potential “intruders” are already running all over the Sabah previously and now all over Malaysia as “Malaysians” with MyKads given by the Malaysian government, hand delivered personally in many cases by Malaysian government officials and Umno leaders.

Judging from the population “explosion” and extraordinary increase in Sabah’s population from 1960 to 2010 compared to the rate of increase in the Peninsular and Sarawak, there could be as many as 1.5 million “Malaysians” with fake MyKads and part of the problem is now exported from Sabah to the Peninsula.   It is time for all genuine Malaysians to wake up to this problem and make the government responsible for their wrong-doings and resolve them.

Datuk Dr.Jeffrey Kitingan

Chairman, STAR Sabah

31 October 2013

Budget 2014 A Huge Disappointment From Sabah Perspective – Dr. Jeffrey

Kota Kinabalu: “The Budget 2014 must have been a huge disappointment to Tan Sri Pairin, PBS and many others in Sabah and clearly demonstrates the continuing mindset of the Prime Minister and his federal government,” said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief in commenting on the Budget announcement.

The PM himself had whipped up expectations of  Sabahans especially the PBS delegates at their general assembly by asking  Sabahans to wait for Friday’s Budget announcement.

On a national level, the PM cum Finance Minister missed the opportunity to put the national economy on a stronger footing by announcing a balanced Budget or a reduction of the operating expenditure of RM217.7 billion while only RM46.5 billion was for development or to put in place concrete plans to boost the disposable incomes of the lower income groups.   

All three proposals would have brought about a better international credit rating and at the same time increase the well-being of the people especially the lower income groups.

Giving of handouts is not the right approach and there is no need to fish for votes for election season is over.  Such handouts will only lead to bigger expectations and eventually greater dependency,  especially among the rural poor. The government should have invested more money in boosting up the income earning capacity of the poor.

Giving of RM75 million in water tanks is no way to treat the rural voters who voted to retain the Umno/BN federal government.   If not for the 25 BN MPs in Sarawak, the Budget would have been presented by a different Finance Minister.

It would have been better to spend RM500 million on 20 water treatment plants of RM25 million each to provide clean piped water in rural Sarawak given the many big dams there.

Instead, some of the items will bring about an instantaneous price increase including withdrawal of sugar subsidies.  What was more laughable was the reason bordering on absurdity that the subsidy cut was required to reduce diabetes in Malaysians.   It is an undisputed medical fact that diabetes is not caused by sugar alone and a lower sugar intake alone does not reduce the diabetic rate. 

Back to Sabah, stop-gap measures is not going to resolve the systemic problems of higher costs of living and high unemployment.

An announcement of the much called for and much awaited abolishment of cabotage policy would have created a bigger impact in reduction of costs compared to the RM331 million to continue the price uniformity programme and subsidies including transport cost and RM30 million for an additional 60 Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KR1M) to help reduce the prices of daily necessities.

Both the federal and Sabah governments should undertake a study on the impact of the KRIM in Sabah as there are complaints that the KRIM has affected the small sundry and provision shops in Sabah and many will eventually close down.

An allocation of RM2 to RM3 billion development expenditure for Sabah and Sarawak is a slap on the status of the equal partnership of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysia.    

Part of this allocation, RM500 million is for upgrading of the Pan Borneo Highway.    This is a disgrace and totally unacceptable.   For the record, RM400 million was announced for the 33km. Sibu-Kapit road.   How far can RM500 million do for the Pan Borneo Highway?

Recently, the Sabah JKR Director lamented that due to the backlog or disregard of Sabah’s requests, RM2 billion was needed for urgent road repairs in Sabah and another RM700 million was needed to urgently repair and upgrade 65 bridges in Sabah.   Yet, there is not even a mention of any allocation in Budget 2014 and not the right way to treat Sabah which contributed 22 out of 25 MPs that help kept the Umno/BN federal government in power.

As for the GST, both the federal and Sabah governments need to re-assess the imposition of GST in Sabah. If the federal government can have implement 1-country 2-laws on the “Allah” issue which indirectly is a recognition of the 1-Country 2-System, the federal government can exempt Sabah and Sarawak from the GST scheduled in 2015, at least for 3-5 years

Whilst the PM continue to disregard the importance of Sabah and Sarawak and committing political hara-kiri in the process, it is high time for the Sabah and Sarawak governments to re-assess their support of the Umno/BN federal government.   

Perhaps, a withdrawal of support and change of the federal government may bring about a better 2015 Budget for Sabah and Sarawak and a shot in the arm for both local economies and a better outlook and way of life for Sabahans and Sarawakians.

Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan

Chairman, STAR Sabah

27 October 2013

Allah Issue: Beginning of the End of Malaysia Unless …- Jeffrey

Kota Kinabalu:    “It‘s not the Court of Appeal ruling but the non-action and continued policies of the Umno/BN rulingveness and reconciliation” said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief in response to the Court decision to ban the The Herald from referring and using “Allah”.

The PM and his federal government needs to be reminded that the issue started with the then Home Minister in banning the reference to Allah arising from the Minister’s discretionary powers under the Printing Presses and Publications Act, 1984.   It was an unequivocal act of the ruling Umno/BN government.

From there, the downward spiral of race relations quickened with Umno’s political strategy to play the “race and religion” card to regain its Malay heartlands.   It shook the very foundation of the official“Malaysia – Truly Asia” and the PM’s own “1-Malaysia” rhetoric and hollow slogan.  

It is pretty obvious that the PM and his Umno-led federal government never meant to honour the “1-Malaysia” theme which is now discarded in favour of “Endless Possibilities”.   There is no other possibility other than a most probable break-up of Malaysia if the race and religion division is allowed to continue.

The Umno/BN federal government has forgotten that they are the government for all Malaysians and not only the Malays or only in the Peninsula.   They have forgotten that it is not the Federation of Malaya that they are ruling but the Federation of Malaysia where the founding fathers of Sabah and Sarawak were promised religious freedom.   

Religious freedom was so important that the natives in the interiors of Sabah erected a Stone Monument, known today as the Batu Sumpah in Keningau, to etch into perpetuity such freedom.  If not for these promises, there is no Malaysia today.

The use of “Allah” in the Borneo States, or even in neighbouring countries, pre-date the formation of the Federation of Malaya and the Federation of Malaysia.   There were no turmoil or any threat of racial disruption.   

On the contrary, in Sabah and Sarawak, it was a tranquillity of racial and religious harmony without the rhetoric of “1-Malaysia”.   There was no need for a Muslim-Malay NGO to declare that “Christians are our brothers and sisters” because in true life in Sabah and Sarawak, brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, husbands and wives were Christians and Muslims and other religions.

The Umno/BN federal government have also forgotten that they are mere passers-by and trustees in their reign of government but think themselves so high and mighty to decide on banning and purportedly seeking exclusivity of the use when nowhere else in the world is any government claiming as such.

The rest of the BN component parties particularly those from Sabah and Sarawak are equally to be blamed for the quagmire and quicksand that they are now finding themselves to be in.   Some are quietly contemplating leaving the BN fold but are fearful not for their parties but for themselves with the police, anti-corruption, special branch,income tax, waiting to take the next flight out to arrest them.

The situation now calls for true leadership of the PM and the Umno-led federal government and politics of inclusiveness and reconciliation for all Malaysians.    The PM may be reluctant to act because of the pending Umno elections but he needs to remember that the country he is leading today is the Federation of Malaysia not the Islamic Federation of Malaysia.  

Perhaps, the PM should consider the calls of the Muslim-based NGO that the Malaysian Christian community can choose to move to any country if they cannot bear to accept the sovereignty of Islam.

Lest it be forgotten, no Christian Malaysian is questioning or challenging that Islam is the official religion of the Federation.  It is the treatment of the minority faiths and the actions and policies of the ruling government that is the root cause of marginalization and disenfranchisement.  In Sabah, it is sad that the natives are being pitted against each other due to differences in religion when no such problems arise.

If the PM accepts the reasoning of the Muslim NGO, it is time to start dis-engagement talks and allow Sabah and Sarawak to depart Malaysia and the Peninsula can revert back to Persekutuan Tanah Melayu by itself.   There is no point in retaining Sabah and Sarawak within the Federation of Malaysia when the ultra-Malays in Malaya keep trying to break it up and without any appropriate response or with the silent acquiescence from the federal government.

Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan

Chairman, STAR Sabah

15 October 2013

Be Proud and Stand United as Sabahans - Dr. Jeffrey

Kota Kinabalu: “The call by the Sabah Mufti to hasten the Malaynization of Muslim natives in Sabah is actually a blessing in disguise and an eye opener for Sabahans that they are being used and used over and over by the federal/Malaya authorities to divide and rule the people of Sabah and maintain the colonial regime of Malaya over Sabah” said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, Chairman of STAR SABAH in weighing in on the issue of Malaynization of Sabahans.

“We need to look beyond the Mufti who while voicing his personal opinion was actually giving a reflection of the divide and rule policy of the federal racist regime and splitting further the already disunited Sabahans” added Dr. Jeffrey.

Sabahans are already being divided into Muslims and non-Muslims and being pitted against one another by the ruling Umno/BN government. No matter how or what the Chief Minister or the federal authorities denies it, it does not mean that the secret and covert operations to Malaynize and Islamize the natives of Sabah does not exist.  It exists in reality to the extent natives are recorded as Muslims and Malays in their Mykads although they are not and the authorities make it difficult to rectify such “mistakes”. 

In reality, Sabah has always been peaceful and harmonious with diverse multi-ethnic and multi-religious groups to the extent in many families, they would have multi-religious members.

The Malaynization call gives a window of opportunity for all Sabahans to stand-back and re-assess the divide and rule policies of the federal authorities.

All Sabahans need to take a united stand and assert ourselves and adopt “PROUD TO BE A SABAHAN” regardless of our ethnicity, race or religion” urged Dr. Jeffrey.   

We cannot allow Sabahans to be divided by ethnicity, race and religion and be used as mere pawns in the political power game by the Umno/BN regime so that they can continue to colonize and control Sabah. And at the same time the Umno/BN regime will continue to rape and plunder Sabah’s riches and wealth to finance Malaya’s development at the expense of Sabahans.

“Whether we are Bajau, Suluk, Dusun, Bisaya, Kedayan,Kadazan, Murut, Rungus, Sungei, Brunei,Chinese, Indian, Pakistani or the rest of the 32 plus ethnic groupings, we are all, first and foremost, Sabahans” stressed Dr. Jeffrey.

In this regard, Sabah has prevailed where Malaysia or 1-Malaysia has failed.Sabahans have always been one big and close family. We should not allow the importation of Malayan culture and policies to destroy the very fabric of harmonious multi-ethnic and multi-religious Sabah.

In the Peninsula, instead of nation-building, the Umno/Malay leaders are promoting racism and religious division and racial bigotry. Instead of promoting a Malaysian identity, everyone there is divided into Malay, Chinese, Indian or others. Sabahans are then caught and placed in the humiliating “Others” or “Lain-lain” category.

The term “Malay” is only a constitutional definition in the federal constitution and should not be used to eliminate the multi-ethnic groups in Sabah. An Indian or Pakistani Muslim may be constitutional Malay, he will always be an Indian or Pakistani Muslim by race and can be seen when they call themselves Malays but set up their own Indian Muslim associations.  Similarly, a Bajau or Dusun Muslim will not lose their race dignity and identity.

In Sabah, we must unite and maintain our common identity as SABAHANS and be proud to be one. We, Sabahans have every right to be proud of our Sabahans’ identity, language and culture. 

Sabah is the third biggest palm oil producer in the world, the second biggest oil and gas producer in Malaysia, the second biggest contributor to the federal treasury, yet Sabahans are the poorest Malaysians.

If we allow ourselves to be further divided and continue to be governed as a colony and 12th subservient State by UMNO/Malaya and if we fail to take charge of our own destiny and future and to control and manage our own resources, there is little hope in the future for all Sabahans” added Dr. Jeffrey.

Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan

Chairman

STAR Sabah

13 October 2013

Legal and Moral Duty to Regain Sabah’s Oil - Dr. Jeffrey

Kota Kinabalu:    “It is now clear as daylight that it’s the legal duty and moral obligation of the Sabah government and every Sabah MP to take immediate steps and by all available means to regain Sabah’s oil ownership” said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief after attending the Public Debate between Tan Sri Harris Salleh and Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee held at the Sabah Gold and Country Club on Friday.

The “explanation” of Harris that he had no choice but to sign the 1976 Oil Agreement with Petronas and receive 5% cash payment for Sabah’s oil as the federal government had stated that Sabah’s oil found off-shore belonged to the federal government and signing and getting 5% was better than getting nothing at all. 

Harris also stated that it was the federal government who prepared the Oil Agreement and he was under pressure to sign the Oil Agreement, partly due to rescue the Sabah government which was left with RM2 million in its kitty.

His story confirms and re-affirms the recent revelations by Tan Sri Majid Khan of the “lies” by the federal leaders in the 1970s that oil found off-shore Sabah belonged to the federal governmentand that it was up to the present-daySabahans to take the matter to court to determine the truthfulness and legitimacy of the federal statement.

Harris’ statement was made in the presence of the 300-strong crowd and the team of Special Branch officers who had recorded everything diligently for their Malayan political leaders. 

It is very apparent that the federal leaders’ assertion that Sabah’s oil found off-shore belonged to the federal government is false.  Nothing is further from the truth.  

Since 1954 the international boundary of Sabah (North Borneo then) was extended to include the area of the continental shelf which remained unchanged until Malaysia Day on 16.09.1963.Sabah’s international boundary is acknowledged in Article 1(3) of the Federal Constitution which provides that:-

1. (3) Subject to Clause (4), the territories of each of the Statesmentioned in Clause (2) are the territories comprised thereinimmediately before Malaysia Day.

This Sabah international boundary is even recognized today in the government official website:http://www.townplanning.sabah.gov.my/iczm/Reports/Coastal.

Pursuant to Section 24 of the Sabah Land Ordinance (Cap. 68), it is also clear as daylight that from December 1930, the oil and gas found on-shore or off-shore of Sabah belonged to Sabah.  

“Anyone that does not accept this fact and truth ought to take lessons in the law” stressed Dr. Jeffrey.

“Whatever mistakes of the past should be learnt and steps should be taken to rectify the past mistakes” advised Dr. Jeffrey.

In owning up to Sabah’s predicament on Sabah’s oil, Harris unequivocally advised that it was up to the Sabah lawmakers to make amends and raise the issue in Parliament to re-claim Sabah’s oil and not behave like past and present lawmakers who would put up both hands to support the federal government.   Harris further added that he was certain that if the matter was raised and reasonable, the federal government would agree to Sabah’s demands.

The idea was supported whole-heartedly by Datuk Yong Teck Lee, another former Chief Minister.  Datuk Yong then advised that due to the changes of the times and circumstances, the federal government was at its weakest and Sabah lawmakers as “kingmakers” should leverage on the thisweakness and use the “window of opportunity” to demand for Sabah’s oil and other rights.

For the future and benefit of each and every Sabahan, it has now become the legal duty and moral obligation of the Sabah government and each and every Sabah MP to take every available step to regain Sabah’s oil and gas ownership.   

The Sabah government needs to raise with the federal government the issue of Petronas returning Sabah’s oil and gas ownership and the Sabah MPs need to raise the matter in Parliament.   If they wish to take it further, they should get the Petronas Twin Towers renamed as the PETRONAS SABAH SARAWAK TWIN TOWERS.  

“There is no two ways about it, regain Sabah’s oil or condemn Sabah’s future generations to unwarranted poverty due to the oil revenues being siphoned off to Petronas and the federal government” concluded Dr. Jeffrey.

Datuk Dr.Jeffrey Kitingan

Chairman, STAR Sabah

12 October 2013

Empower Sabah Natives, Implement Article 41 Sabah Constitution - Jeffrey

Kota Kinabalu:  “The Federal and Sabah governments are trampling the Sabah Constitution and not honouring native rights and privileges by wrongly enforcing bumiputra policies in Sabah” said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief, in response to announcements by the DPM and Chief Minister on Sabah bumiputra empowerment.

Not all bumiputra are natives although all natives are necessarily bumiputra. Similarly, not all Malays are natives.  However, non-Muslim bumiputra in Sabah lose everything when the governments divide the Sabah and Sarawak bumiputra into “bumiputra Islam” and “bumiputra bukan Islam” and the former get better treatment and privileges compared to the latter.

“Why then this classification and continuing to segregate the people in Sabah and ignoring the natives?” asked Dr. Jeffrey.

Both governments need to do away with the classification of bumiputrain Sabah and abolish the Sabah bumiputra empowerment program and policies and officially adopt the use of the term “natives” and implement Sabah native empowerment as provided under Article 41 of the Constitution of Sabah. 

Article 41 states:-

41. Safeguarding position of Natives. 

(1) It shall be the responsibility of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri to safeguard the special position of the Natives and the legitimate interests of other communities in accordance with the provisions of this Article.

(2) The Yang di-Pertua Negeri shall exercise his functions under this Constitution and under State Law in such manner as may be necessary to safeguard the special position of the Natives, and to ensure such degree of participation by Natives as he may deem reasonable in the public service of the State, and in the receipt of scholarships, exhibitions and other similar educational or training privileges or special facilities given or accorded by or with the approval of the State Government and, when any permit or licence for the operation of any trade or business is required by State Law, then, subject to the provisions of that law and this Article, in such trade or business.

Officially and unofficially, it cannot be denied that the Sabah natives lag behind in practically everything and everyone else and form the majority of the poorest of the poor.

And we are not talking of KDMs alone but all the 31 or so ethnic tribes in Sabah, be they be Bajau, Suluk, Iranun, Kedayan, Rungus, Bisaya, Brunei, Ubian, Lundayeh, Kagayan, Simonol, Sibutu, Tatana, Sungei,Lotud,Gana,Kimaragang, Sunsugon, Tambanuo,and the like.

The federal/Malayan leaders may have a hidden agenda to marginalize and disenfranchise Sabahans and Sabah natives but the Sabah government should not be taken in with grandeur of the bumiputra/Malay agenda and promote the bumiputra empowerment program when their duty and obligation is to safeguard the special position of the Sabah natives.

The esteemed TYT and the Sabah government are under a statutory duty and moral obligation under Article 41 of the Sabah Constitution to safeguard and promote the interests of the Sabah natives while looking after the legitimate interests of the other communities.

“I strongly urge the Sabah government to return to the correct path and set up a non-partisan “Sabah Native Empowerment Council” and start formulating a “Sabah Native Empowerment Agenda” and implement native empowerment programs and policies immediately” concluded Dr. Jeffrey.

Datuk Dr.Jeffrey Kitingan

Chairman

STAR Sabah

01 October  2013

Bring RM2 Billion Road Repairs Not Just Visit - Jeffrey

Kota Kinabalu:     “The DPM is most welcome to visit Sabah anytime but he should bring along RM2 billion for the badly needed road repairs in Sabah when visiting officially,”said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief, when asked about the DPM’s 2-day visit starting Monday.

Recently, many reports have been said about the poor road conditions in various parts of Sabah and the lack of federal funding for these road repairs and maintenance.

The Sabah JKR Director had lamented that there was a backlog of RM2 billion that were urgently needed to carry out these repairs.  

In addition, it appears that another RM700 million was needed to repair and replace 62 bridges on federal roads.  Yet, the federal government has only allocated a miniscule RM33 million, not even 5% of the required sum, for bridge repairs.

Such apathy, “tidak apa” and irresponsible attitude of the federal leaders in treating Sabah roads and bridges are no longer acceptable.

The condition of these roads and bridges are serious matters and the poor road conditions is a matter of life and death for the daily lives of Sabahans.

The federal leaders should pay serious attention to the funding of the road repairs and not just make empty promises when they are in the Borneo States and the promises are conveniently forgotten when they fly back to the Peninsula to their plush and cozy offices in Putrajaya, funded by Petronas with oil and gas moneys from Sabah and Sarawak.

Kg. Kelatuan, Papar Wooden Bridge

“The empty promises are not a statement of the opposition but by Sarawak BN leaders who even wanted these promises to be in writing and implemented without delay” stressed Dr. Jeffrey.

The road repairs are only a small part of the road and bridges problem in Sabah.  Yet, it is ignored by the federal leaders until an amount of RM2 billion is accumulated for the past years.  RM2 billion is small change compared to the RM18 billion taken yearly by Petronas and the federal government from Sabah’s oil and gas.

Apart from road repairs, the federal government need to allocate urgent funds to seal roads in Sabah, some 6,000 km of roads under JKR Sabah and another 5,400 km under the jurisdiction of local authorities.

In Sabah, poor road repairs and bad road conditions are not just voiced by the opposition.  Sabah BN leaders including from Sabah Umno are beginning to voice their satisfaction over the road conditions in their own constituencies.

Recent statements calling for road repairs by the Kinabatangan Umno MP and Umno leaders in Libaran, the home district of the Chief Minister, shows the huge scale of Sabah road problems that have been covered up by the Sabah Umno/BN leaders and ignored by the federal leaders.

The Sabah Umno leaders are starting to realize that if they do not start looking after the interests and welfare of Sabahans, they will be booted out by the people.

Therefore, we urge the DPM not to come visiting Sabah empty handed but to bring at least a cheque for RM2 billion written payable to the Sabah government or the Sabah JKR.   If no such allocation is provided, it will show that the “JanjiDiTepati” BN Manifesto is nothing but a hot air promise to fish for votes in the last general election.

The federal leaders should start awakening from their ignoring of Sabah road conditions and realize that their “fixed deposit” is no longer keeping quiet but have started to demand for their rightful allocations for road repairs and road construction.

The Umno/BN federal leaders and the DPM need to also realize that the MPs from Sabah and Sarawak are now “kingmakers” and can simply walk-out from and topple and change the ruling BN regime if the grievances of the Borneo States are continued to be ignored and marginalized.  At the same time, if the Sabah BN leaders do not start demanding for Sabah’s rightful allocations, they themselves will be toppled and changed by the people.

Datuk Dr.Jeffrey Kitingan

Chairman

STAR Sabah

29September 2013

Implement Malaysia Agreement Not Just Review - Jeffrey

Kota Kinabalu:    “The call for a review of the safeguards for Sabah and Sarawak and their status as equal partners to Malaya by TengkuRazaleigh or more affectionally known as Ku Li needs to be brought up in Parliament and must be fully supported by all the MPs from Sabah and Sarawak, if it is to succeed ” said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief in commenting on Ku Li’s call to review the status of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysia.

While it is refreshing and unprecedented to hear the call from a Peninsula politician, and a senior Umno MP at that, the issue of the treatment and status of the Borneo States is nothing new. Sabahans particularly since the 1980 shave been clamouring strongly for a review and implementation of the Malaysia Agreement and the restoration of the equal status, rights and autonomy of Sabah.

Ku Li said, the review is 40 years late but it is better late than never.   If the injustices inflicted on the Borneo States and the grievances of the people are not addressed, the problem will not go away but fester and may grow out of hand.  By then, it will be too late to save the break-up of the federation.

The down-grading and treatment of Sabah and Sarawak as the 12th and 13th States and colonies of Malaya masquerading as Malaysia and the government of Malaya masquerading as the federal government of Malaysia must stop and put to an end.   The parallel government in Sabah through the federal secretary office must also be abolished and removed and the government of Sabah be fully autonomous and everything concerning Sabah must be channel via the Sabah government.

The founding fathers of Malaysia, be they from Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak or Sabah, even from Britain, never envisaged that Sabah and Sarawak would be the 12th and 13th States and colonies of Malaya as the initial proposed was rejected by the Borneo territories.

The wanton amendment of the Federal Constitution on 28 July 1976 down-grading Sabah and Sarawak to be the 12th and 13th States and colonies of Malaya clearly shows the contempt and “colonial-masters” mindset of the Malayan leaders towards Sabah and Sarawak.   Such an amendment is not only despicable but treason and traitor-like in the eyes of Sabahans.

The analogy of the USA used by Tun Haniff is most unfortunate and misleading.  In layman terms, it is comparing apple to orange.   It is the same analogy and thinking of Umno/BN leaders who can’t seem to understand and comprehend the difference between the formation of the USA and Malaysia.  Perhaps, it is part of their Umno/BN indoctrination and brain-washing by the federal powers/Malayan leaders.

To put the record straight, the USA was formed in the 1776 by the 13 founding States.  Subsequently, the other 37 States joined the USA and the nation grew larger with these additional States.  The name of the nation never changed, it always has been the good old United States of America and the Constitution of USA was only amended several times since 1776.

On the other hand, the Federation of Malaya was formed and gained independence from the British on 31 August 1957.Sarawak gained her independence on 22 July 1963 and Sabah on 31 August 1963.  Then, on 16 September 1963, the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak formed a new nation through a merger  known as Malaysia.  

Malaysia never existed before 1963 and Malaysia is not the Federation of Malaya.  But today Malaya has converted itself as Malaysia.  Where is the Federation of Malaya today if it is not masquerading as the Federation of Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak as the 12th and 13th States of Malaya?

The Borneo States are not supposed to be the 12th and 13th States be it Malaysia or Malaya but as equal partners of equal status with safeguards that were agreed upon.   

“We are not seeking or demanding additional rights or taking away any rights from any other State but only seeking what has been agreed upon in the formation of Malaysia and rightly ours” emphasized Dr. Jeffrey.

There should have been a new Constitution of Malaysia but the Constitution of Malaya was adopted to be the Federal Constitution of Malaysia with the excuse that there was no time.  Since 1963, the Federal Constitution has been amended nearly 600 times not only in eroding the rights and status of  Sabah  and Sarawak but also eroding the rights and privileges including immunity of the royal Malay rulers.

Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore never joined Malaya and never joined Malaysia.  This part of history has always been twisted and manipulated to the extent of being re-written in our history books and wrongly taught to our young.  To keep harping on Malay nationalism in fighting for the independence of Malaysia is nothing but sheer lies and imposing on Sabahans and Sarawakians to celebrate the independence of Malaysia on 31 August 1957 is sheer distortion of history.

With due respect to TunHaniff, Sabah and Sarawak never joined Malaysia.  Without Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia would not exist today.  What would exist without Sabah and Sarawak would be the Federation of Malaya with the 11 original States (plus perhaps the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya).   On the other hand, in the USA, without the other newer 37 States, the USA would still exist today with the original 13 founding States.

The problem on the formation of Malaysia will not be solved without correcting and rectifying the distortions and manipulations on the true facts of history.  

While the suggestion to form a parliamentary caucus or Malaysia Review Committee by Ku Li is lauded, the real solution lies in an amendment of the Federal Constitution and a truly sincere implementation of the Malaysia Agreement with the re-activation of the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) or an equivalent.   The British government needs to be involved as well as they have failed in their trusteeship responsibilities towards Sabah and Sarawak and failed to see that the implementation of the promises, assurances and recommendations of the IGC were properly carried out.

After 50 miserable years including the “stealing” of  Sabah and Sarawak’s oil and gas resources, it is an opportune time for the federal/Malayan leaders to show sincerity and true leadership in restoring the equal status, rights and autonomy of the Borneo States.  At the same, Sabah and Sarawak leaders need to unite to seek and demand for the restoration of these rights for the future of the generations of Sabah and Sarawak to come.

Datuk Dr.Jeffrey Kitingan

Chairman, STAR Sabah

27 September 2013