PENAMPANG: A special discussion on Sabah's rights by the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council Technical Committee is expected to take place before Malaysia Day.
United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president Datuk Ewon Benedick said during this discussion, the Malaysia Agreement Technical Committee would address issues such as the 40 per cent revenue share, special grants, and autonomy in health and education.
"That is why I met with the Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor) a few days ago. According to the Constitution, this matter is between the federal government and the state government.
"I am also making an effort to arrange a specific discussion on this issue. This is my contribution as a representative from Sabah in the federal cabinet.
"Hopefully, we will reach a resolution, if not before Malaysia Day, then eventually. As long as I am in the cabinet, I want to ensure we have a thorough discussion to implement MA63," he told the media after delivering his policy speech during the party convention at the Penampang Cultural Centre here.
Ewon, who is also the Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperatives minister, added that aside from the discussion, Upko lawmakers would also express their views in Parliament and discuss internally with allies in Pakatan Harapan (PH).
When asked if Sabah PH lawmakers would refile their originating summons to demand Sabah's rights, Ewon said they would discuss this with the plaintiffs involved.
Last September, 12 elected representatives from Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sabah had indicated that they would file a new summons if constitutional rights issues remained unresolved after withdrawing their previous suit.
Ewon had set July this year as the deadline for Putrajaya to outline the implementation formula for the 40 percent revenue share.
"We will discuss this with other plaintiffs. We still have time during this term, so we should make full use of all available discussion platforms."