KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is proposing a bipartisan committee under the legislative assembly to focus on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) matters, particularly Sabah's claim to 40% of net federal revenue derived from the state.
PBS information chief and Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (pic) said the committee should involve representatives from both the government and opposition, as well as political parties without seats in the assembly.
"This is important to ensure discussions on Sabah’s rights reflect wider views and are not limited to only elected representatives.
"The 40% issue affects all Sabahans. So it is only fair that different voices and ideas are heard, regardless of political background," he said at the launch of the Kaamatan and Moginakan celebration in Kampung Sinulihan in Kiulu, about 60km from here, on Saturday (May 23).
Joniston, who is also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) information chief, said although the GRS-led state government is already working on Sabah’s claims under MA63, including the 40% revenue entitlement, a bipartisan committee could help bring together ideas and practical input from all sides to support the effort.
"This is not about who gets the credit. What matters is how we move things forward together for Sabah.
"We may have different political views, but on Sabah’s rights, we should try to find common ground. This is bigger than politics," he said.
Joniston noted that similar proposals had been raised by other parties in the past, adding that a bipartisan approach could help prevent the issue from becoming a political talking point every election season.
He added that PBS has consistently raised issues related to MA63 and the 40% revenue claim since the party was formed in 1985.
"There was a time when PBS was criticised for being too vocal on these matters and in fact, we were branded as being parochial and anti-federal. But today, many recognise that protecting Sabah’s rights is something that concerns everyone.
"From experience, we have learned that progress comes when there is mutual respect, stable cooperation and sincere discussions focused on solutions," he said.
