KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal described the call to revive the state Federal Development Department (JPPS) as a move that goes against the people’s wishes.
He was referring to a statement from Sabah Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) calling for the revival of JPPS.
The revival, according to Sabah Bersatu was needed for the federal government to oversee and coordinate the distribution of federal development allocations at the state level.
“That (the JPPS) is not what people want in Sabah. We realise that what we want is devolution of power and authority. It does not blend well.
"The Warisan-led government has from the start worked hard to regain our rights from the federal government.
"We have always maintained this and will continue to do so because the issue of MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963) and regaining our rights is something that is very close to the hearts of Sabahans.
"It is therefore unbecoming of Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor, who is a Sabahan, to suggest the return of the JPPS, which is tantamount to giving away more of our rights to another,” he said.
As a Sabahan, the Warisan president said Mohd Noor should know what was dear to the hearts of the people in Sabah.
“Instead, he is suggesting that we give away our rights to the federal government,” he said, adding that Parti Warisan Sabah had previously managed to solve 17 out of 20 issues related to autonomy with the federal government.
Mohd Shafie added that despite the new cabinet line-up at the federal level, Sabah would continue working with the government and its ministers for the benefit of the people.
“We want to work with the federal government to ensure development in Sabah,” he added.
Meanwhile, Warisan Information chief Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob said the state government had a different approach compared to Sabah Bersatu which was non friendly to the federal government.
“Our Chief Minister is yet to meet Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin but both of them are good friends and were jointly sacked from Umno,” he said, adding their relationship could help set aside differences and maintain focus on development.
Dr Yusof, who is also state Education and Innovation minister, added that the federal government still needs Sabah as the state has many jurisdictions on land, immigration and local housing among others.
He said Mohd Noor’s proposal showed that he surrendered easily and made it seem like the state could not do anything without the federal government.