Dr Kelvin Yii
KUCHING (Mar 1): The Perikatan Nasional (PN) government should produce its one-year report card on the progress made to advance the interests of Sabah and Sarawak, said Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.
“I believe it is important that the PN government fully explain to the people the progress made under its ministry in terms of restoring our rights under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as well as development and socio-economic advancement of those in Sabah and Sarawak until now,” he said in a statement, referring to the Sabah and Sarawak Affairs portfolio in the federal cabinet.
The Democratic Action Party (DAP) MP said the appointment of ministers to look into Sabah and Sarawak affairs would be meaningless if there was no progress being made to achieve what was rightfully belonged to both states and equitable development for its people.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said he would ensure that the two East Malaysian states were given fair treatment in line with the creation of the portfolio after he took office last March.
Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili is Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Sabah and Sarawak Affairs and Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib is his deputy.
Based on public records, Dr Yii claimed the special council on MA63 formed by Muhyiddin had only met once on Dec 2 last year and there was no news on a follow-up meeting until now.
“In that meeting itself, what was agreed upon is the formation of another three committees that will handle various matters that are important to Sabah and Sarawak.
“So, it is of utmost importance that each of those committees and the Ministry as a whole explain to the public what are the works done for the past whole year.”
Dr Yii said the Covid-19 pandemic should not be used as an excuse for the delay in pushing for the necessary reforms in terms of the Borneo states’ interests, while other federal ministries focused on overcoming the pandemic.
“I strongly believe that this is an issue of public interest as the people would want to monitor and know the report card of this Ministry on long-standing issues that has deprived Sabah and Sarawak of what is rightfully ours.”
Dr Yii said the setting up of a ministry to address Sabah and Sarawak affairs should not be formed purely as an attempt to shore up political support for the PN government but it did not produce any tangible results for the people.
He added the PN government had placed the report produced by the Special Cabinet Committee on MA63 under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) and shelved the formation of MA63 parliamentary select committee.
“Our rights and the spirit of the formation of Malaysia should not be treated as if it can cause national harm or disorder for it to be placed under OSA,” said Dr Yii.