State rights, 40% revenue claim, infrastructure in the spotlight at Sabah assembly

KOTA KINABALU: Issues on state rights, appeals to the Federal Government to retract its intention to file a partial appeal on the 40% revenue claim as well as infrastructure and utility development were in the spotlight at Monday’s (Dec 15) Sabah Budget debate session.

Matters regarding fair funding for all state seats regardless of whether they are under the state or Opposition, enforcing transparency in governance and including Opposition leaders in policy and decision making were also repeatedly mentioned.

Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Senallang-Warisan) who was the first to make his debate speech, told the assembly that as chief Opposition leader for the state, it was his duty to inform the floor that what was good for the state will always be supported.

However, if there were delays or weakness in implementations of projects and policies, it was the Opposition’s duty to voice out and criticise, as the people depended on them for checks and balances.

He said this was to prevent leakages and allow corruption to grow, while also asking about some taxes that might be redundant, economic development initiatives and new resources such as gold that could be explored.

Datuk Masiung Banah (Masiung-GRS) said Sabah’s state rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution cannot be delayed, and this includes the 40% net revenue owed to the state.

He said the mechanism to calculate and finalise the 40% must be sped up, and there should not be any more excuses for its delay in whatever form.

To spur economic developments, he said Sabah should not be afraid to explore rare earth resources such as gold and coal, because if done properly, sustainability would be possible while prosperity is guaranteed for all Sabahans.

Nominated assemblyman Datuk Roger Chin stressed that Sabah’s rights were not optional, do not depend on political moods and were not bargaining chips.

“These are the terms of our entry into Malaysia – affirmed in documents, in history, and in court,” he said, adding that the 40% entitlement is not a suggestion but a contract that must be honoured.

Datuk Seri Madius Tangau (Tamparuli-Upko) said there were many aspects of development not highlighted in the Budget, including infrastructure and long standing problems such as water, electricity and roads.

He said if the 40% were returned to Sabah, the state would have enough money to fix all these perennial problems and therefore urged for the federal government to withdraw its partial appeal on this court order.

Others who also made similar calls on state rights were Datuk Pengiran Saifuddin Pengiran Tahir (Pantai Manis-GRS), Alias Sani (Sekong-Warisan) and Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (Usukan-Warisan).

Tanjung Aru’s Datuk Junz Wong urged for more focus to be placed on the development and aid for small and medium enterprises as well as wildlife conflicts.

Bongawan’s Daud Yusof and Datuk Seri Arthur Kurup of Sook called for more emphasis to be given on agriculture, entrepreneurship and fisheries development.

Sulabayan’s Datuk Dr Jaujan Sambakong said instead of a surplus budget, he feels that it should be a deficit budget because there were so many problems including the water, electricity and road issues that needed immediate attention.

Datuk Aliakbar Gulasan of Karambunai asked for fights against corruption, calling for implementations of projects and policies to be carried out with transparency, urgency and to reach their targeted audience.

He urged for a no-squatter policy to be introduced to address social ills as well as infrastructure woes.

Syed Ahmad Syed Abas of Balung wants more Sabah representatives in Petronas while Sindumin assemblyman Yusri Pungut hopes that Opposition seats will get the same allocation as seats helmed by government assemblymen.