08-05-2025
‘Better than past Federal leaders'
Published on: Friday, May 09, 2025
Published on: Fri, May 09, 2025 Text Size: Felix stressed that nine out of the 13 issues related to the MA63 demands have been fully resolved. Kota Kinabalu: Although several Sabah leaders held federal minister posts for dozens of years, their achievements are no match for Upko's where fighting for the rights of the state is concerned. 'We are not just speaking out, we are acting. We put forward proposals, we fight for the implementation of MA63 and we ensure that the demands of the people of Sabah are given due attention in national policy,' said its Youth Chief Felix Joseph Saang. He was responding to actions of some groups trying to belittle Upko President Datuk Ewon Benedick's efforts in fighting for the rights and interests of Sabah. 'Ewon's excellence in achieving several successes regarding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is far better than other leaders. 'Among the most obvious successes is the Amendment of the Inland Revenue Board Act (IRB) to include official representatives of the Sabah and Sarawak Governments in addition to the increase in special grants as an interim solution which now amounts to RM600 million, the highest so far. We will certainly continue to demand 40 per cent rights,' he said in a statement. Felix stressed that nine out of the 13 issues related to the MA63 demands have been fully resolved. All this happened during the Unity Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Upko being represented in the Federal Cabinet. Felix said Upko is now among the most active voices demanding implementation of MA63, especially administrative rights, state revenue and infrastructure development in Sabah. 'Some of the demands fought by Upko have received positive feedback from the Federal Government,' he said. Felix criticised the political culture of some leaders who speak loud without solutions or thoughtful ideas. 'We do not want to be leaders only good at talking outside, but fail in the Cabinet and Parliament. 'It thus positions Upko as one of the important pillars in today's Unity Government.' * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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