KIULU: A Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) leader has reiterated the party’s proposal for a bipartisan committee under the Sabah State Legislative Assembly to look into matters related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), particularly Sabah’s long-standing 40 per cent revenue entitlement.
PBS Information Chief and Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the committee should involve representatives from both the Government and opposition, as well as political parties without seats in the State Assembly.
“This is important to ensure discussions on Sabah’s rights reflect wider views and are not limited to only elected representatives.
“The 40 per cent issue affects all Sabahans. So it is only fair that different voices and ideas are heard, regardless of political background,” he said at the launching of Kaamatan and Moginakan Celebration in Kampung Sinulihan, here, Saturday.
Joniston, who is also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Information Chief, said although the GRS-led State Government is already earnestly working on Sabah’s claims under MA63, a bipartisan committee could help bring together ideas and practical input from all sides to support the effort.
“This is not about who gets the credit. What matters is how we move things forward together for Sabah.
“We may have different political views, but on Sabah’s rights, we should try to find common ground. This is bigger than politics,” he said.
Joniston noted that similar proposals had been raised by other political parties in the past, adding that a bipartisan approach could help prevent the issue from becoming a political talking point every election season.
He added that PBS has consistently raised issues related to MA63 and the 40 per cent pursuit since the party was formed in 1985.
“There was a time when PBS was criticised for being too vocal on these matters and in fact we were branded as being parochial and anti-federal. But today, many recognise that protecting Sabah’s rights is something that concerns everyone.
“From experience, we have learned that progress comes when there is mutual respect, stable cooperation and sincere discussions focused on solutions,” he said.
On another note, Joniston said the surveying of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land in Kiulu remains the priority of the State Government.
He disclosed that the Land and Survey Department has approved 312 applications from villagers in Sinulihan for the surveying of 2,087 acres of NCR land involving 635 lots.
