Kota Kinabalu: More parliamentary seats for Sabah was among issues raised at the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, here, Friday.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the meeting held in a cordial manner opened the door for further discussions.
He said Sabah wanted more parliamentary seats in line with the MA63 spirit and to further protect the interest of the State and her people.
“In principle, the Prime Minister agrees but this needs to be thoroughly discussed at the technical level as it will involve amendment of the Federal constitution.
“This is why good State-Federal government relations is important,” Hajiji said after the meeting at Satria Pertiwi Complex.
The Sarawak delegation was led by Premier Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Another issue raised was to call for tourism to be listed in the concurrent list, which would also be brought to the technical committee for deliberations.
The Sabah delegation comprised Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya, State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif, State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew, State Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib and State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong.
Hajiji also welcomed the launching of the RM7.6 billion Sabah-Sarawak Link Road Phase 2 (SSLR 2) on Friday, which marked a major step forward in boosting connectivity between Malaysia’s two largest territories.
He said the project is significant not just in enhancing seamless connectivity between Sabah and Sarawak but goes a long way to promote economic growth in trade and tourism.