Former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak has called for the relationship between Sabah and the federal government to develop as a genuine partnership, rather than remain defined by issues from the past.
In a Malaysia Day message, Salleh said Sabah’s rights and autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 remained important, but upholding them should not mean distancing Sabah from Malaysia.
“We cannot forever view the relationship between Sabah and the federation (Malaysia) only through the questions of the past. We must also move towards a bigger question: what can we build together?” he said in a Facebook post.
Building a more developed Sabah
The Umno veteran said he wanted to see a more developed and competitive Sabah, with better education and healthcare, reliable infrastructure and basic services, a stronger economy and more opportunities for young people.
At the same time, he said Sabah had much to contribute to Malaysia through its natural resources, strategic position in Borneo, cultures, biodiversity and talented younger generation.
“That is why the relationship between Sabah and the federal government must continue to develop as a genuine partnership,” he said.
Working together for better outcomes
Salleh said the relationship should not be framed as Sabah against the federal government or East against West, but as a partnership in which both sides understand their respective responsibilities and work together to deliver better outcomes for the people.
“Not Sabah against the federal government; not East against West; but as partners who understand our respective responsibilities and are prepared to work together to deliver better outcomes for our people,” he said.
He said a strong Malaysia needed a strong Sabah and Sarawak, adding that the interests of the state and the federation should not be viewed as competing with one another.
Shaping Malaysia’s future together
Salleh said previous generations had played their part in forming Malaysia, while the current generation had a responsibility to shape its future through greater cooperation and opportunities.
“We may have different views on many issues. But Malaysia’s future is something we must continue to shape and build together,” he said.
