From ‘Sulu Sultan’ to first class native?
Published on: Thursday, January 30, 2020
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) has joined the call by Inanam Assemblyman Kenny Chua to the Government to thoroughly investigate the statement by Datu Mohd Akjan Ali Muhammad on the issue of natives in Sabah.
PCS President Datuk Wilfred Bumburing (pic) said on the surface the statement seem to be simple and straight forward but there is big and far reaching underlying motive.
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“It points to plot for a reverse takeover of Sabah by immigrants who had acquired identity cards by various means. Not satisfied that they have these cards they now claim to be natives. By basic meaning and common sense a native is somebody who by ancestral lineage born in the said land.
“Whatever is written on paper, either in the constitution or any law, the fact remains that the definitive native of Sabah is known historically.
“Akjan refers to the constitution. I want to ask where was Akjan when the constitution was drafted by the founding fathers of Sabah. Also if Akjan claims to be native why did he crown himself to be the rightful Sultan of Sulu...this is tantamount to high treason and a breach of the constitution of Malaysia by him to have dual citizenship,” said Bumburing in a statement, Wednesday.
Nevertheless, he said, what the constitution refers to are the people who were in Sabah prior to independence not those who came to Sabah illegally.
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“Of course, apart from the real native of Sabah there are Suluks, Bajau Ubian, Sibutu, Simunul, Kagayan. There are also Dayaks, Chinese, Europeans, Indians, Malays and others.
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“They never claimed that they are natives of Sabah though by operation of law and in the spirit of independence they are citizens of Sabah.
“The real natives of Sabah had been living for long in great harmony and nobody had ever proclaim to be first class native of Sabah until people like Akjan who came lately to Sabah proclaim they are first class natives.
“The reason why Akjan and the likes are so bold in making ridiculous claims is the inaction of the Government in carrying out their duty to protect the sanctity of the sovereignty of the State.
“The total rejection of PSS by the people of Sabah, which was manifested in the loss of Parti Warisan Sabah in the Kimanis by-election, portrayed how the people stand to protect their rightful place in the state...I am sure the real citizens of Sabah will be united to reject the ‘native’ claim by Akjan,” said Bumburing.
Bumburing also saluted Chua for having the courage to speak up his mind though being in the Government.
“How we wish other leaders in the (Pakatan) Government do the same instead of keeping quiet to maintain their political correctness for fear of losing their jobs. The fight to protect Sabah is not the job of a few but a moral obligation of everybody who loves the State,” said the former Deputy Chief Minister.
Chua, who is also Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah Vice Chairman, was reported Wednesday saying Sabah PKR wants a thorough investigation into a YouTube video showing a controversial self-professed “Sultan of Sulu” in Sabah, Akjan, allegedly playing the racial card by claiming that the Suluk are classified as First Class natives in the State Constitution.
Chua said the claims made by Akjan are dangerous as they are tantamount to inciting racial hatred in Sabah.
“We, in Sabah PKR, are taking this matter very seriously. The authorities must investigate and take necessary action because this kind of statement is dangerous. It is as if intended to create racial hatred and suspicion in Sabah.
“We reject this kind of statement. This is Sabah. All the races have been living in harmony. And we will defend this harmony at all cost,” he said.
“The only thing that separates the people are whether you are a genuine Sabahan or not. And everyone has a chance to succeed and prosper according to their merits,” said Chua, who is also Sabah Assistant Finance Minister. He pointed out that the interpretation and definition of natives in Sabah should be left to the legal and history experts, not Akjan.
“Who is Akjan to be making such as statement? Does he have any credibility to say such as thing?” he asked.
Chua stressed that the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, is committed to preserving and defending racial harmony at all cost.
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