Kota Kinabalu: Former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee said Nominated Assemblyman Datuk Roger Chin will be a formidable addition to Sabah’s fight for its Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) rights, particularly the contentious 40 per cent revenue claim.
“I can count on my five fingers of one hand the number of members of the last (16th) Legislative Assembly who really know what MA63 is about,” Yong said, singling out Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun as among the few.
The SAPP President noted that while many elected representatives play supporting roles, most are preoccupied with constituency matters and ministerial duties, lacking the deep understanding required for the MA63 struggle.
“It takes dedication and intelligence to understand the spirit and intent of MA63. It takes hard work, courage and teamwork to join the forefront of the fight,” he said.
Yong pointed out that Roger’s well-known authority on MA63 allows him (Roger) to speak with persuasive force and objectivity that partisan politicians cannot claim.
Yong also said that Roger’s entry into the legislature would not compromise the ongoing Federal appeal of the 40 per cent case, as it is being handled by the Sabah Law Society, a professional body with top-notch lawyers.
Besides, the 40 per cent revenue entitlement has reached implementation stage following the October 17 High Court judgment and will soon enter the execution phase.
However, Yong claimed the Federal Government is already trying to stifle or to dilute or to delay or generally muddle up the High Court judgement.
“Sabahans expect that the Sabah Government will be brave and dedicated to pursue the 40 per cent revenue claim without fear or hesitation,” he said.
