James Ratib
KOTA KINABALU: The debate over the demand for 40 per cent of Sabah’s special state grants will become more dramatic with various versions of opinions from all political leaders who are considered to be turning their backs on the main leadership of the State Government.
Sabah Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said that the various versions of statements issued by certain leaders seemed to belittle the role of the Sabah Chief Minister on the issue.
“However, the Chief Minister is the leader who earlier brought the issue to the highest level in the Federation to demand these rights. He demanded in a more harmonious way without clouding the atmosphere and good relations with the Central Government,” he said in a statement today.
James, who is also Sugut Assemblyman, said that basically the State Government leadership is open to hearing any thoughtful ideas about the issue, but it is not necessary that there are parties who want to be ‘Heroes’ as if the State Government has no leader, who should play that role.
He said differences of opinion ultimately created a war of perception that clouded the situation and smooth demand for Sabah’s rights as enshrined in Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution.
“There are parties who do not realise that the Chief Minister is actually working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the demands of Sabah’s rights continue to be fulfilled by the Federation.
“He does not need to say much in that regard because what is important to him, the results of the struggle should be shared with all the people of the state,” he said.
James invited all the leaders of the state to give strong support to the leadership of the Chief Minister in demanding the rights of the state and put political ideology aside to strengthen the voice of the demand.
“Let us together with the leadership of the Sabah Government stand as a pillar of support regardless of what party we belong to,” he said.
The issue of the claim of 40 per cent of the Sabah’s special grant was hotly discussed by various parties after the SLS, the Attorney General’s Department and the Sabah Government finished giving their submissions for the case in Kota Kinabalu court last Thursday.
A panel of three judges namely Datuk Ravinthran N Paramaguru, Dato’ Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali and Dato’ Dr Choo Kah Sing fixed May 24 for the management of the case.
