Goh (second from the left) presenting a souvenir to Phoong (middle).
KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government should honour the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) or the 40 per cent net tax revenue issue and implement them according to the Federal Constitution without delay, said Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) President Tan Sri T C Goh.
Goh, who is also the President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), said both the Sabah public and Chinese community, the FCAS included, are highly concerned with the 40pc net tax revenue issue which recently resurfaced, following the legal action taken by the Sabah Law Association (SLA).
“Overall, our position is firm, which is that the Federal Government needs to fulfil its commitments,” he stressed in a statement.
Goh said when speaking at the FCAS Night held at the Sabah Hakka Hall here. It was also attended by Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Deputy Consul General of China in Kota Kinabalu Ouyang Huifeng, Huazong Vice President Datuk Lam Kuang Yau, Secretary General Datuk Dr Wong Aik Loung, FCAS Deputy President Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, the Federation of Sabah and Labuan Hokkien Associations Honorary Life Advisor Tan Sri Lim Pau Chang and Political Secretary to the Chief Minister Datuk Dr Roland Chia, among others.
Goh revealed that last month, during an audience with the Sabah Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin to brief the latter on the progress of the annual Dragon Boat Race, Juhar emphasised two key points, the first is the people’s patriotism where he stressed that patriotism is a responsibility, moral duty and good tradition that all citizens should uphold.
“The Head of State expressed that a profound sense of patriotism and spirit would greatly ensure the long-term survival and freedom of the people in this democratic and beautiful country,” he said.
He said the second point concerns the issues related to East Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak, in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), where Juhar hoped that the Federal Government would gradually and comprehensively implement the relevant constitutional amendments to grant Sabah and Sarawak their autonomy and ensure equal status with Peninsular Malaysia.
Goh acknowledged that Juhar’s advice which fully demonstrated his deep love for the country and the people, moved everyone greatly.
“We fully agree with and wholeheartedly support Tun Juhar’s advice, as well as the related or equivalent positions and statements of the State Government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor,” he said.
Goh reiterated that FCAS and the Chinese community of Sabah will continue to be the backup force for the State Government in this regard.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Phoong expressed gratitude for the trust of FCAS and the Chinese community and vowed to continue striving to serve the Chinese community and the people of Sabah.
