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Thursday, March 16, 2017

Dr Jeffrey: Resign for Failure to Uphold Federal Constitution

KOTA KINABALU - “It is sad to see Sabah BN leaders self-degrading themselves and mislead Sabahans that Sabah are not discriminated by the federal government just to prop up the federal government and curry favour with their political masters in Malaya. It is a huge lie to say that Sabah is not discriminated by the federal government and Malayan leaders,” said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, Assemblyman for Bingkor, in response to statements on the issue being reported in the media and viralled in social media.

Each Federal and Sabah Cabinet member as well as each and every BN MP and State Assemblyperson had sworn under oath to protect and uphold the Federal Constitution.

Yet the Federal and Sabah governments and the BN leaders have the audacity to ignore the express provisions of the Federal Constitution specifically with regards to the 40% net revenue derived from Sabah as well as import, excise and export duties on petroleum and timber that ought to be returned to Sabah under Article 112C and Parts IV and V of the Tenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.

The Federal Constitution even states that the said import, excise and export duties receivable by Sabah or Sarawak shall not be paid into the Consolidated Fund. By collecting such duties and depositing them into the Consolidated Fund and then using them without returning to Sabah is not only a blatant non-compliance of the Federal Constitution but a flagrant criminal breach of trust.

In addition, it is obvious that the Sabah Cabinet Ministers and Assistant Ministers and other Sabah BN leaders do not have in mind the BEST INTERESTS of Sabah and Sabahans for failing to ensure the Federal and Sabah governments comply with the Federal Constitution.

There is absolutely no reason for the Federal and Sabah governments to continue non-compliance of the Federal Constitution and not to return the 40% net revenue derived from Sabah and other revenues that Sabah is legitimately entitled and desperately needs for its own development.

In other countries, not only would their leaders resign for failing to honour their Constitution but some would also commit suicide.   Such is the seriousness for failing to honour their constitutional obligation. In Malaysia, the BN leaders are shameless and thick-skinned to continue holding their positions despite blatantly ignoring and not complying with the Federal Constitution. 

If they have any decency, honour and integrity, the Federal and Sabah governments and their leaders should do the right thing by either honouring and returning the 40% net revenue entitlement to Sabah together with the other import, excise and export duties OR resign.

If the Federal and Sabah governments and their leaders do neither, the people in Sabah should exercise their right at the forthcoming general elections to change the Federal and Sabah governments and elect those who will look after the rights, interests and welfare of Sabah and Sabahans.

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