KOTA KINABALU: Sabah rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are irrevocable and no alternative solutions should be entertained, says Parti Warisan.
Its supreme council member Azhar Matussin said with the state still lacking in terms of basic infrastructure and necessities, it is even more pressing for the Federal Government to ensure that Sabah's rights are fulfilled for the sake of its development.
He said to suggest exploring other avenues than the return of these rights, including the 40% net revenue owed to Sabah, was a serious contradiction of MA63's fundamental principles.
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The Darau assemblyman said this on Friday (June 21) after Sabah Pakatan Harapan expressed its openness to explore alternative amicable solutions concerning state rights, including the 40% net revenue entitlement.
Sabah Pakatan's statement came after the Court of Appeal allowed the Sabah Law Society (SLS) to proceed with a judicial review of the state's entitlement to the 40% special grant revenue on Tuesday (June 18).
Sabah Pakatan comprises PKR, DAP, Amanah and Upko.
Azhar said he opposed any action that undermined the Constitution and the rights contained within MA63.
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Warisan legal adviser Chin Tek Ming said instead of alternative solutions, Sabah Pakatan should fight to ensure that the Pakatan-led federal government fully restores Sabah's rights.
He claimed Sabah Pakatan did not have any grounds to comment on the appeals court ruling since it withdrew its originating summons against the federal government on entitlements under state rights last September.
However, Upko Youth chief Felix Joseph Saang said the party would not cease pursuing all state rights under MA63.
He said Upko hoped the 40% revenue entitlement and other rights would be returned to the state in a fair and just manner as quickly as possible.
