KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has rubbished claims he is veering from his original struggle for Sabah rights by joining the Perikatan Nasional (PN) federal government.
The Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) Sabah president said he has never abandoned the fight, and always carries it with him wherever he goes.
He said his commitment to Sabah was proven after the PN government agreed to establish a special portfolio dubbed the 'Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Ministry', led by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.
"We feel that this (ministry) is more suitable than the (Malaysian Agreement – MA63) cabinet committee that seemed to focus on discussion only, but has no (goal).
"We want a ministry that can focus on implementation and so, we feel that having the Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Ministry is good and more focused on implementing rights in the constitution," he told reporters when met at the Sabah Motac office here, today.
Jeffrey also said he had suggested that Sabah and Sarawak issues, including MA63, be included in policy agreements of the PN government.
"So, don't worry. We are always holding on to the fight. In fact, I am puzzled as to why previous leaders did not do this. Perhaps they were afraid of the (former prime minister Tun Dr) Mahathir's (Mohamad) leadership. That could be the obstruction.
"However, I believe it is all up to us as leaders to do it. If we don't, it won't work. I will ensure the fight for Sabah rights will be protected and we fight alongside with Sarawak leaders in the PN government," he said.