Musa: Sabah politicians must own book on political economy

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KOTA KINABALU: A book titled ‘Political Economy of Stagnation, British North Borneo Under the Chartered Company 1881-1946’, should be a must-have item for all Sabah politicians, especially state assemblymen and members of parliament, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman (right) and state archive director Datuk D Tigabelas Datu Z Abidin (left) holding 'The Political Economy of Stagnation British North Borneo Under the Chartered Company 1881-1946' book during the launching yesterday.-Pphoto by Aniq Azraei

He said the book, a compilation of research by Australian economist Andrew Massey, was a good reference for understanding Sabah’s political economic history to better administer the state without disrespecting local customs.

According to Sabah Archives director Datuk Tigabelas Datu Zainal Abidin, the book gave non-biased comments on the economy, politics, and local affairs and events pertaining to the early administration of the Chartered Company in Sabah.

“However, Massey condemned the Chartered Company for failing to respect local customs, which was why they could not resist the Mat Salleh Rebellion (from 1894-1900),” he told reporters at the launch of the book by Musa at the Sabah state assembly building, here, yesterday.

Tigabelas said the book was comprehensive and detailed as the author had made thorough research in the United Kingdom, India, Australia and Malaysia, especially in Sabah.

He said the State Archives Department also provided historical photos for the 410-page book and decided to publish it with Massey’s consent.

“Massey is unable to come for his book launch today, but he granted us permission to launch it,” he said.

Tigabelas said about 500 units of hard and soft cover were printed, with the hard cover copy selling at RM250 and the soft cover at RM150. — Bernama