KOTA KINABALU: Sabah leaders must persevere in their push to regain state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), says a former state assemblyman.
Datuk James Ligunjang said leaders must act with determination and perseverance to secure the entitlement, including the long-delayed 40% net revenue that Sabah deserved.
“Only then can we hope to bring about positive change and uplift the lives of the people of Sabah and future generations,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Dec 19).
The state rights activist said Sabah's leaders must unite to hold the Federal Government accountable for its negligence in fulfilling its obligations to Sabah.
The 40% entitlement from the Federal Government is a constitutional right that has long been overdue for Sabah, said Ligunjang.
“And because of this non-compliance since 1975, Sabah has suffered economic losses, faced difficulties, and experienced injustice,” he said.
He said politicians needed to recognise the importance of holding the federal government accountable and demanding the fulfilment of its obligations.
Ligunjang said making excuses for the Federal Government's failure to pay what rightfully belonged to Sabah was unacceptable.
He said the 40% entitlement was not a matter of charity or favour; it was a constitutional right that ensured a fair distribution of resources and development for Sabah.
“Our leaders must prioritise the needs and rights of the people they represent above any political allegiance or personal interests,” he said.
Sabah has long been neglected and marginalised, and it was time for its leaders to stand up and fight for what rightfully belongs to Sabah, said Ligunjang.
“It is essential for them to unite and pressure the Federal Government to fulfil its obligations under the Constitution and MA63.
“We cannot afford to continue living in the shadow of neglect and deprivation,” he added.
