Abdul Rahman addressing the delegates at Umno Tuaran’s annual general meeting.
KOTA KINABALU: Umno Tuaran proposes the setting up of a Consultative Committee on the negotiations of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) at the State Assembly level.
This will make the negotiations more transparent, said Umno Tuaran Chief Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
Abdul Rahman when met after opening Umno Tuaran’s annual general meeting in Tamparuli today, opined that negotiations on the MA63 is not moving as fast as the people want to because those involved in it are from the state and federal governments, namely the Chief Minister and minister.
“But imagine if the negotiations are done by the State Assembly, it will be more transparent as state elected representatives will know what is being talked about. What are the terms both sides want…therefore when we negotiate with the federal government, it will be voice and mandate of the State Assembly and the people of Sabah, not only of the state government.
“And I can tell you all the state elected representatives will not want to compromise in any aspects with regards to MA63. So even though you are the opposition, you will support because this is what the people of Sabah want,” he said.
Abdul Rahman pointed out that the MA63 will always be used by the opposition when campaigning during election but when they become the government, they are not so vocal on the issue anymore.
This is because the state government has to make room in its negotiations with the federal government for other matters that are a priority like allocation, he said.
“If the demands are from the state government, the buck stops with the Chief Minister, it’s a yes or no. But if in the negotiations the Chief Minister sees that the situation is not good for Sabah, he can always say to the Prime Minister that it is not his mandate but the mandate of the State Assembly and that he will bring to the State Assembly to decide.
“So when we deliberate in the State Assembly, it will be more transparent and believe me, no state elected representative will oppose any state government who brings up issues on MA63,” he said.
Abdul Rahman in his proposal pointed out with the Consultative Committee, the negotiations on MA63 will be based on its instructions as issues will be brought to the committee to discuss and deliberate.
He suggested that the council chairman be from the governing political party but stressed that the composition must include the opposition so that its voice is unanimous.
With a unanimous and loud voice, the state government, it is negotiations with the federal government, will have a big mandate, he said.