Anifah backs Shafie’s push for Sabah state rights

KOTA KINABALU: Former foreign minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman made a surprise political move by personally supporting Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal’s push for quick answers to state rights from the federal government.

Anifah, whose then – Barisan Nasional administration was toppled by Shafie’s Parti Warisan Sabah in the aftermath of the May 9 general election, took a strong stand to back Shafie who wants the Pakatan Harapan government to expedite the restoration of Sabah rights under Malaysia Agreement 1963.

“I am all for Shafie in efforts towards expediting and restoring Sabah rights as stipulated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963,” said the Kimanis MP, who left Umno to become an independent.

“I welcome YAB Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal’s statement that the federal government should not take too long to return Sabah’s rights in accordance to Malaysia Agreement 1963, including the 40% revenue which is the basis of the establishment of this country 55 years ago,” he said.

Anifah, the younger brother of former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Musa Aman, said the federal government should take the neces- sary steps to accept the intent and spirit of MA63 that includes oil royalty and all other revenue due to the two states.

“Only after agreeing to it then we can further negotiate on the quantum of payment. The federal government should not use the excuse of not having enough money to delay payment to Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

Anifah said the federal govern- ment should start negotiations immediately and not only acknowledge the rights but also agree to return the rights and execute initial payments to Sabah and Sarawak to show goodwill.

“Only then can methods and the quantum of payment be negotiated further.

“This has to be done for the benefit of the people in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.