A Sabah opposition party leader has questioned DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng’s understanding of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the DAP’s promise of autonomy for Sabah and Sarawak.
Speaking to FMT, SAPP deputy president Melanie Chia also questioned whether Lim could make promises on autonomy for Sabah and Sarawak on behalf of the opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM).
“It’s unlikely that Mahathir will agree to DAP’s promise of giving us 20% oil royalty and returning 50% of all tax receipts collected from the state.
“They can’t even agree on who will be prime minister. Can they agree on giving Sabah back billions in revenue?” she said.
Over the weekend, Lim outlined DAP’s autonomy plans for Sabah and Sarawak should Pakatan Harapan and its allies form the federal government.
He added this included full autonomy in the funding and administration of healthcare and education, 20% in oil royalty from Sabah and Sarawak’s respective oil revenue as well as the return 50% of all taxes collected, including from the GST, to the states’ coffers.
However, Chia said returning 50% of all tax receipts to the state was unconstitutional.
“We aren’t even getting what is constitutionally owed to us and he wants to promise us something which isn’t even in the constitution? Does he really know what he’s talking about or is he just making election promises?
Chia also said DAP’s promise of autonomy in the administration and funding of education smacked of insincerity as Sabah and Sarawak should have a say over their education curriculum.
She also slammed Lim for saying the 20% oil royalty and 50% tax revenue from the state should be enough for Sabah to look after its own education and healthcare needs.
“There is a clear difference between us wanting to take back what is rightfully ours and the duties and responsibilities of the federal government, regardless of whether it is a Barisan Nasional or opposition government. Lim should understand this.”
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