Sabah, S'wak's Special Rights Not A Hindrance To Integration
Friday, 16 July 2004 (Source: Bernama)

KENINGAU: Certain provisions that give Sabah and Sarawak special protection will not hinder efforts to foster integration among the people in the peninsula and the two states, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said Friday.

"The rights and safeguards are part of the legal and political pillars of the nation and as such, they should not act as hindrances to development and national integration.

"On the contrary, a nation becomes strong by strengthening its pillars...often problems that arise (in relation to the issue) are either perceived or merely indirect in nature," he told reporters after meeting Keningau Rukun Tetangga (neighbourhood committee) leaders here.

Dr Ongkili was asked to comment on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's statement in his written reply to M. Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat) in the Dewan Rakyat two days ago.

Abdullah had said that the government must be sensitive to certain provisions that give the two states special protection although it constantly strove to remove restrictions that separate peninsular Malaysia from Sabah and Sarawak.

In any case, Dr Ongkili said, even if there were genuine administrative problems that emanate from state rights, they should be resolved through consultation among the federal and the state leaders of Sabah and Sarawak.

"I'm sure Sabah and Sarawak leaders are rational and far-sighted to recognise such problems if they exist, and arrive at a consensus to resolve them for the benefit of all segments of the people," he said.

The prime minister's statement over the matter was reassuring and consistent with his approach on the role Sabah and Sarawak played in the development of the country, said Dr Ongkili.

"We must respect the existing regulations and any development issue connected with the existing agreement must be discussed in an atmosphere that gives the two states room to air their views.

"For Malaysia to continue to develop and be strong in the matter of development and integration, it's important that any action to be taken be done through dialogue and discussion to Sabah and Sarawak's satisfaction," he said.