Federal Cabinet Posts - PKR Urges Sabah, Sarawak Leaders To Speak Up

The non-proportionate distribution of the Federal Cabinet posts to Sabah and Sarawak, despite the two states being Barisan Nasional's (BN) biggest seat contributors, shows the Federal Government's continuing nonchalant attitude on the problems affecting both states.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-president Datuk Dr Jeffery Kitingan said it was only now that the people from Sabah, especially component parties, have begun to speak up on the matter.

"Sabah and Sarawak component parties contributed so much to the BN victory and this should be reflected with a bigger percentage ratio on the appointment," he said, adding that he only hoped the leaders from Sabah and Sarawak would voice out when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi pays a visit.

In this respect, Dr Jeffery said Sabah and Sarawak should at least have a Deputy Prime Minister and no less than six full Ministers each.

It is normal in a win and lost situation that the winners get their appropriate shares. Dr Jeffery said if the distribution was proportionate, there should not be disputes or resignations.

The Federal Government has also lost its income sources, with five states in the peninsula now under the Opposition rule. "That is why the Federal Government should consider giving more to Sabah and Sarawak that will be its main income sources, being rich with oil palm, timber and petroleum," Dr Jeffrey said.

Meanwhile, members of parliament from Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan must speak up on the 1963 Malaysia Agreement so that the rights and privileges of East Malaysians in the formation of Malaysia are addressed accordingly.

Coordinator of the Federation of East Malaysia NGOs, Datuk Patrick Sindu, said it was also timely that the Royal Commission of Inquiry be set up address these issues so that Malaysia could go forward on a balanced platform.

"Would a referendum be considered for the same purpose to review the Malaysia Agreement? Would other options be considered like bringing this up to the international community with the former colonial master as the key player or the World Court?

"There appears to be a clear message of many grievances coming out from Sabah over this matter although the BN won the latest election in Sabah with the aid of rigging," he claimed. (Borneo Bulletin, Brunei)

***** It looks like the East Malaysians are finally plucking up the courage to confront their weakened 'masters' Umno to get a larger, more fair portion of the spoils. Umno is in no position to flatly refuse or ignore them as in the past. The pejuang2 demi bangsa, agama dan negara from semenanjung have now to kowtow a bit and play ball or risk losing control of the federal government. Not a bad prospect actually.
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