PM: Sabah, Sarawak to get same benefits as peninsula
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will focus on the implementation of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to ensure Sabah and Sarawak receive the same benefits as states in the peninsula.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the agreement would be revived to honour pledges outlined in it.
“Although it has been in the backseat for some time, we want to revive the agreement made during Malaysia’s formation.
“We will focus on all promises made in the agreement so that Sabah and Sarawak will be given the same treatment as peninsula states.
“God-willing, we will try (to accomplish it),” Dr Mahathir said at the Congress on the Future of Bumiputeras and the Nation 2018 here yesterday.
Dr Mahathir said the government would not sideline Sabah and Sarawak in any field.
“(Even) matters relating to salaries will be streamlined. Minimum wage in the peninsula will no longer be higher than in Sabah and Sarawak.
“We will not differentiate between Sabah and Sarawak and the peninsula.
“We have enough representatives from Sabah and Sarawak in the cabinet.
“They are not keeping quiet. They give a lot of advice because of their focus on Sabah and Sarawak.”
In a related development, Dr Mahathir said he was not denying the Kelantanese people’s advancement in businesses, due to their acumen and efficiency in generating profit.
The problem, he said, was with being successful in their home state.
“Kelantan people are good at business. Wherever they go, they can adapt, set up shop and expand their business in the long term.
“But the problem is, why can’t they be successful in their home state?
“This problem goes back to the state, which does not have a strong financial standing, but instead relies on federal aid.
“So, there is something that the people of Kelantan need to rectify.”