Devolution of power yet to materialize — DAP Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Devolution of power from the federal government to Sabah, especially in education and health, has yet to materialize.

The federal government must fulfil its promise to the people of Sabah as stated in its election manifesto, reminded Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sabah chief Datuk Stephen Wong.

He said Sabahans ousted the previous government on Pakatan Harapan’s promise to return the status of Sabah and Sarawak under the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63), and must now make good on that promise.

“We received the support from Sabahans and won in the election because of that item in the manifesto, so we hope what has been promised would be fulfilled as soon as possible.

“The new government has been in power for six months and although a committee has been established to study the implementation under MA63, I have been told that a meeting has yet to be called to discuss the matter.

The people are still waiting for their rightful acknowledgement,” he said at the 2018 DAP State convention.

Wong went on to say that Sabahans remember the new government’s promise to decentralize decisionmaking rights in education and health to the State, but also urged the rakyat to bear in mind that the government needs time to repair institutions as well as the financial state of the country.

He also reminded Sabahans to remain united and reject notions of racism and segregation in order for the State to prosper.

“DAP has always supported the principle and idealism of fairness and equality, and we believe Malaysia and Sabah would only succeed if we end segregation between race and religion.

“We should be proud that our country and State are diverse. That is our priceless asset and heritage. As a multiracial party, we strive to carry forward the idea that everyone should live without discrimination,” he said.