Sabah, Putrajaya must focus on what they can build together, says Salleh

In a Malaysia Day message, Salleh said Sabah’s rights and autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) remained important, but upholding them did not mean distancing Sabah from Malaysia.

“We cannot forever view the relationship between Sabah and the federation (Malaysia) only through the questions of the past. We must also move towards a bigger question: what can we build together?” he said in a Facebook post.

The Umno veteran said he wanted to see a more developed and competitive Sabah, with better education and healthcare, reliable infrastructure and basic services, a stronger economy and more opportunities for young people.

At the same time, he said Sabah had much to contribute to Malaysia through its natural resources, strategic position in Borneo, cultures, biodiversity and a talented younger generation.

“That is why the relationship between Sabah and the federal government must continue to develop as a genuine partnership,” he said.

“Not Sabah against the federal government; not East against West; but as partners who understand our respective responsibilities and are prepared to work together to deliver better outcomes for our people.”

The Usukan assemblyman said a strong Malaysia needs a strong Sabah and Sarawak, and that the interests of the state and the federation should not be seen as competing with one another.

Salleh said previous generations had played their part in forming Malaysia, while the current generation had a responsibility to shape its future through greater cooperation and opportunities.

“We may have different views on many issues. But Malaysia’s future is something we must continue to shape and build together,” he said.