Move to regain Sabah’s rights

PETALING JAYA: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has set up two high-level committees (HLCs) to restore the rights of Sabahans.
Acting PBS president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili (pix) said he intends to come up with proposals to regain Sabah’s rights that have been lost over the years.
Maximus said he will be heading a committee on the devolution of powers to the state while vice-president Datuk Radin Malleh will look into "Borneonisation" or the employment of Sabahans in Federal government agencies especially in key positions.
"We have identified key persons to sit on these panels. They comprise senior PBS leaders, lawyers and educators, as well as former senior civil servants," he said.
He said two-month time frame has been set before submitting their findings and proposed solutions to the party leadership for submission to both the state and federal governments.
Maximus, who is also Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister, said they need to defend what is still there, and take back what has been eroded.
He added that it must be done in the same spirit and commitment as practised in Sarawak.
“The committees would be studying what was promised in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 pertaining to the two issues and recommend remedial action for restoration since some terms had not been honoured satisfactorily.
“It is important to study the undertakings in the agreement pertaining to various safeguards, particularly Borneonisation, to ensure optimal participation of Sabahans, especially natives, in the civil service, as well as government-linked companies, in regard to promotions, scholarship awards and training,” Maximus said.
He said they wanted to make sure both the federal and state civil services are not monopolised by one group only.