Strong federal-state ties key to Sabah’s progress, says Sipitang MP

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 21): Strong relations between the Sabah government and the federal government are crucial to ensuring progress and development for the people and the state, said Sipitang MP Datuk Matbali Musah.

Matbali said the Sabah government under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor appreciates the efforts and commitment of the federal government in assisting Sabah’s development.

He said close cooperation between both governments is essential to ensure that national development policies are implemented in a balanced and inclusive manner.

“Although separated by the South China Sea, Sabah remains an integral part of Malaysia and deserves equitable development attention,” he said during the debate on the Royal Address in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.

Matbali noted that despite Malaysia having achieved independence decades ago, the development gap between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia remains evident.

He said shortcomings in basic facilities and infrastructure continue to affect the quality of life of Sabahans, particularly in rural and remote areas.

“Therefore, strong political will is very much needed to advance progress and support the well-being of the people of Sabah can be continuously enhanced,” he stressed.

According to Matbali, the people of Sabah do not seek special treatment, but aspire to a life that is comfortable, dignified and secure.

“As such, when Sabah’s rights are discussed within the framework of the Madani government, it is not a matter of asking for special privileges, but of demanding justice based on the agreements sealed since the formation of the Federation of Malaysia.

“The people of Sabah are not asking for anything excessive.

“They simply hope that the fundamental rights promised can be implemented consistently and effectively,” he added.

Matbali said that issues concerning Sabah’s rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) continue to receive attention, and welcomed the Madani government’s commitment to implementing a large portion of the MA63 claims.

He expressed hope that the remaining claims would be fulfilled to safeguard fairness and justice for the people of Sabah.

In addition, Matbali said the proposal to increase the number of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak should be seriously considered.

“The vastness of Sabah’s territory and its geographical challenges require more effective representation so that the voices of the people can be conveyed more comprehensively at the national level,” he said.