KOTA KINABALU, Nov 29 — A Sabah state assemblyman has called for the establishment of an inter-party committee of government and opposition assemblymen to ensure they are on the same page in fighting for Sabah’s rights.

Datuk Ewon Benedick (Upko-Kadamaian) told the Sabah State Assembly that this committee would strengthen Sabah’s claims under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and Federal Constitution, especially for Sabah to be given 40 per cent of federal revenue collected in the state.

In the current political dynamics, especially with the formation of the unity government, it was important for all assemblymen to come together and fight for Sabah’s rights, he said

“For the government bloc the consultation process will definitely continue while some assemblymen have gone to court to claim for Sabah’s rights. We can propose this 40 per cent revenue collection for federal revenues which can be easily calculated,” he said when debating the Sabah Budget 2023 today.

He also expressed his willingness to cooperate with the Sabah government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, as this was in line with the formation of the unity government at the federal level under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“The 15th general election has ended and created new political dynamics through the formation of a unity government. I hope Sabah can take the cue from what happened at the federal level so that we can harness our efforts and be united to do the best for the people,” he added.

Datuk Yusof Yacob (BN-Sindumin) asked the government to study and review the road maintenance agreement of concession companies in the state which did not do their job properly.

He said the people were not disputing the profits made by these companies but they should maintain the roads well.

“The people want damage (roads) to be repaired immediately and cannot accept the excuse of concessionaires that maintenance is done on rotation (based on road location). Overgrown grass and bushes by the roadside should be cut immediately, not once in three months,” he said.

Yusof said he had received public feedback that the Pan Borneo Highway contractor should be closely monitored to ensure safety, while damaged roads and drainage systems should be immediately repaired to prevent floods.

Datuk Darell Leiking (Warisan-Moyog) also complained about the Pan Borneo Highway contractor not maintaining drainage systems properly and causing floods in several areas.

“The floods in my constituency were serious, with many linking them to the ‘pain Borneo’ highway (for causing floods) in Penampang. So, the government needs to explain to the people and take action.” he added. — Bernama