The Sabah government agrees to submitting to the federal government a recommendation seeking an amendment to the Federal Constitution for the restructure of the states to reflect the status of Sabah and Sarawak as partners in the formation of Malaysia, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
He said the proposal merits consideration for the good and benefit of the people and the state.
"We (the state government) will accept any suggestion that is good and benefits the people and the state.
"If we seek to do so, the recommendation of the Honourable Member (Assemblyman for Usukan) will be forwarded to the relevant technical committee and steering committee and onward to the federal government and the Prime Minister," he said in the state legislative assembly.
Musa was replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak (BN-Usukan), who is the Federal Communications and Multimedia Minister, in the house.
Salleh said the restructure would clearly reflect the status of Sabah and Sarawak, that is Category A for the states in the peninsula and Category B for Sabah and Sarawak.
Sabah and Sarawak, he said, were partners in the formation of Malaysia and not just one of the states in the country.
“This is to determine the situation that it is in line with the formation of Malaysia," he said.
Earlier, Musa said the state government supported the establishment of the federal-level committees, namely the Technical Committee and Steering Committee, to study the rights of Sabah as a whole under the Federal Constitution pertaining to Sabah's revenue rights, the Malaysia Act and the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
The committees were established following the inaugural meeting on the devolution of powers to Sabah and Sarawak held in Kuala Lumpur last June, chaired by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.
Musa said the state government was of the opinion that any revision of the state's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and Federal Constitution should be done on a government-to-government basis.
"In addition, the role of the committee chaired by Sabah Special Tasks Minister Datuk Teo Chee Kang, particularly to look into the special grants in accordance with Part Four of the Tenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution, has been expanded as a whole to represent the state government and to report to the Sabah Cabinet," he said.
Musa was replying to a question from Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (Star-Bingkor) on the stand of the state government on the restoration of Sabah and Sarawak as stated in Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution to their original status. --Bernama
Bernama
Mon Nov 21 2016
MUSA: "If we seek to do so, the recommendation will be forwarded to the relevant technical committee and steering committee and onward to the federal government and the Prime Minister." - Filepic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.