All hopes now on Sabah, Sarawak. Malaysia today becoming different from that of MA63: Dompok
Published on: Monday, February 19, 2024
By: Ricardo Unto
Dompok said the party still supports the initial idea of the formation of Malaysia.
Tuaran: The Malaysia that was desired during its formation is different from what it is presently, said former Chief Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok.
“Remember, Upko was the one that raised the reasons for the formation of Malaysia, and what were the hopes of the people then?” said Dompok at the Upko leadership unity gathering, here.
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“Firstly, we want to form a secular country…but maybe this was not agreed by the Federal Government, so they looked for a different version.
“They want a Malaysia not aspired by the nation’s early leaders.”
Dompok, who is also Upko Advisory Council President, said the party still supports the initial idea of the formation of Malaysia.
To this end, he said, the party should play its role to speak it out for the rest of the country.
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He said many quarters are banking on Sabah and Sarawak to defend the “true” Malaysia.
“And this is Upko’s duty for the next generation,” he said.
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Meanwhile, Upko Honorary President Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said the Keningau Oath Stone should not be viewed lightly as it contained the guarantees of the Malaysian Government to Sabah.
The three points inscribed on the stone’s plaque were freedom of religion in Sabah, the Government of Sabah holds authority over land in Sabah, and native customs and traditions will be respected and upheld by the government.
“Do not play around, this is an oath…a bobolian (ritual leader) performed a ritual on it.”
He also reminded the people to unite to ensure the struggle’s success to fulfil the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Meanwhile, former Upko deputy president Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing said he decided to rejoin the party after seeing the party’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of the people of Sabah and the efforts made by President Datuk Ewon Benedick since assuming the party’s leadership in January last year.
“Ewon and Upko are at the forefront of championing Sabah’s right to 40 per cent federal revenue as provided for by the Federal Constitution.
“When he invited me to a round table discussion on this matter, I felt compelled to actively contribute and support his leadership,” he said after rejoining Upko with about 100 others.
At the event, Ewon announced that he has been appointed as minister to assist Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof on Sabah affairs.
He explained that his new post pertains to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in the context of Sabah, including answering related questions in the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara.
“I accept this new responsibility with high commitment to see how we can implement the demands stipulated in MA63 which are long overdue with the help of the Sabah government, leaders, people and political parties.
“I will be holding engagement sessions not only with the Sabah government but other stakeholders, including political parties, professional bodies, and other associations who wish to see the MA63 fulfilled by the current government,” said Ewon.
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