Dr M’s assurance gives Sabahans, Sarawakians fresh hope — Liew
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s assurance to recognise Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners has given the people fresh hope for the future where everyone is equal under the Malaysian sun.
“It’s most welcoming and refreshing news for all of us in Sabah and Sarawak to hear from the Prime Minister,” said de facto Law Minister Datuk Liew Vui Keong.
Mahathir said during the Malaysia Day celebration at Padang Merdeka here on Sunday that the status of Sabah and Sarawak, which changed from equal partners (with Malaya) to states within the federation (of Malaysia), will be reverted to the original position once a study on Malaysia Agreement 1963 ( MA63) is completed.
“Reverting the status of Sabah and Sarawak as per MA63 gives a solid foundation to strengthen ties between the three regions ( Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak),” he said.
However, Liew said there are lots of works which needed to be done on the restoration of the status of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners in the federation of Malaysia.
“It will take a bit of time and we must have patience for greater things to happen for us all.
“I can assure all of you that works have started earnestly since I am entrusted with the task over a month ago and let’s unite in our efforts and prayers in the matter,” he said.
The critics will no doubt raise many issues in the hope to distract our efforts, said Liew.
“As we all know, we won’t go very far if we continue bickering about it as this will weaken us and derail us from achieving our goals,” he added.