Kota Kinabalu: Talking about Sabah rights and Sarawak rights does not mean the people in both Borneo states are being less Malaysian, said Nominated Assemblyman Datuk Roger Chin.
He also said legal challenges as on petroleum rights by Sarawak and 40 per cent tax revenue entitlement by Sabah are normal, healthy and should be welcomed to clarify constitutional rights.
Chin said this when replying to a question as a panel speaker in the “40 per cent - Our Right, Our Money – Understanding the 40 per cent, Rights, History & Mechanism” seminar organised by the People Development Foundation (PDF) at the Lintas Platinum Hotel, recently.
“We need to push back on is this. There is a narrative coming from West Malaysia that if we talk about our rights, then somehow we are challenging the federal system.
“Somehow, we are being less Malaysian. Remember, some of the most developed federations including Canada, Australia and America for that matter, have seen many states suing their central governments.
“There is nothing wrong with going to court to find out what actually are the rights of the state or the federal government on a matter,” said the former Sabah Law Society President.
“So, never ever let people tell you, you are less Malaysian just because you are clarifying your rights under the federal system,” Chin stressed.
Chin urged Sabahans to drop political hatred for one another, saying “toxic politics have destroyed Sabah.”
Chin was a panel speaker with Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (Member of Parliament for Keningau) and Prof. James Chin of the University of Tasmania.
Both Dr Jeffrey and Prof. Chin emphasised that the window of opportunity for Sabah to claim its 40 per cent revenue share has never been better than now.
“It’s very, very important we never ever let Sabahan voices disappear. If we do not take this opportunity, it will never come again. We must insist that every single one of our politicians are accountable to the people of Sabah.
“Those of you who are asking, why is my MP or why is my elected representative not saying anything? You are perfectly entitled to ask that question, and you must – ‘why are you not saying anything?’
“If they are quiet because they cannot upset somebody, then you may not have the right MP or the right Adun.”
He said often everyone wants to be the hero, but no one actually wants to carry it through and make it happen. “All of you must demand this from all your leaders.”
