KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno has called on the authorities to take action against individuals promoting the idea of the state leaving Malaysia, describing such talk as seditious.
Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir said certain groups have been openly advocating secession, a provocative message that appears to have gained traction on social media.
Suhaimi warned that if this provocation is allowed to continue, it will undermine national unity and security and the spirit of cooperation.
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“These groups... (intend) to destabilise the country. Sabah Umno urges the authorities to investigate the culprits,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 24).
The Libaran MP also urged the police to focus their investigation on those inciting secession from outside the state.
"This issue poses a serious threat," he stressed.
Suhaimi said any disputes between Putrajaya and the state government should be addressed through dialogue instead of stoking public unrest.
He pointed out the progress made in resolving outstanding matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 by the MA63 Implementation Action Council, attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
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Eleven key demands have been resolved, with seven fully finalised and “we are confident the remaining MA63 issues will be resolved progressively.
"If this is why these groups are pushing for Sabah’s exit, (their calls are) irrelevant,” he said.
Suhaimi also praised Anwar’s commitment to addressing Sabah and Sarawak’s demands, highlighting the doubling of interim special grants from RM300mil to RM600mil starting next year, as a sign of his dedication.
Suhaimi suggested that the groups issuing seditious statements may be politically motivated, aiming to secure their party's future.
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He claimed certain local parties and leaders have been opposing peninsula parties’ involvement in future state and general elections, with slogans like “this is our home, we’ll take care of it” potentially inciting hatred and anger among the people.
Suhaimi urged Sabahans not to be influenced by divisive rhetoric but instead, continue to preserve the peace, prosperity and quality of life they have enjoyed since Malaysia’s formation.
He warned them to be wary of political agendas that prioritise individual interests over the well-being of the entire state.
