By Rebecca Chong
Include MA63 in manifesto – Upko
SANDAKAN: United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) wants the Barisan Nasional (BN) 14th general election manifesto to include the reaffirmation of Sabah’s special position in accordance with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Met at the launching of Upko Libaran division at SRK Sung Siew hall here Sunday, acting president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said that Upko had made its point clear to the BN top leadership through deliberations and representations.
“We want to ensure that the MA63 is in the manifesto,” he said when asked to comment on Upko’s input in the formulation of BN election manifesto reportedly to be unveiled on April 7.
Tangau, who is Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, said that before this, Upko had already submitted its representation to the Prime Minister in the form of a Memorandum with a 10-point recommendation for Constitutional Revision/ Administrative Rearrangements Towards Greater Autonomy for Sabah in 2015.
He said the memorandum was to address the assertion of the inalienable rights of the State of Sabah and her rakyat as ‘equal partners’ with Malaya and Sarawak within the context of the Federation of Malaysia as well as safeguarding of the special position, character and interests of the State, as divulged in Article VIII (the ‘compliance mechanism’) of the MA63.
“Upko strongly believes that this initiative will further strengthen the agenda of nation-building,” said Tangau, who is also the Tuaran member of parliament.
In the meantime, he said Upko wants the ‘low hanging fruits’ to be tackled as it is something that can be fulfilled even before the general election.
On what he meant by low hanging fruits, he said he is referring to matters related to MA63 that had already been stipulated clearly in the Constitution, which could be implemented immediately.
“For instance, the provision of the 40 percent revenue sharing, which has been stated clearly in the Constitution. This particular provision derived from the MA63 actually only concerns Sabah and not Sarawak. It is a very important provision because it was the basis for Sabah to agree to form the federation of Malaysia.
“Another low hanging fruit is the freedom of religion, which is already stipulated in the Constitution,” he said.
According to him, over the years, there had been several civil cases whereby Malaysians had to fight in the court of law in order to revert to his or her original religion.
“Like, for instance, if a Hindu wants to revert to Christianity or vice versa there should not be any hindrance. This is what constitutes freedom of religion based on our understanding,” he said.
On another note, he said Upko wants a strong commitment in the manifesto on issues like basic infrastructure development as well as improvement of education infrastructure in Sabah to continue to be a priority.
On the launch of the Upko Libaran division, he said it is to assist the BN in Sandakan.
Towards this end, Tangau said it is better to discuss about the BN’s aspirations in relation to its election manifesto rather than talk about the opposition’s.
Having said that, he said similar to previous elections, the BN manifesto would be one that is realistic and achievable.
“Barisan Nasional is not a party that promises the moon and stars to the people. When we make a promise we know it can be delivered,” he said.
Also on hand were Upko vice presidents Tan Sri Wences Angang and Datuk Marcus Mojigoh, Gum-Gum assemblyman Datuk Zakaria Edris, Upko secretary general Datuk Donald Mojuntin, Upko Libaran protem chief Dr Peter Jr Naintin, supreme council members and component party leaders.