KOTA KINABALU: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president Datuk Ewon Benedick said discussion on Sabah rights is still being held at the Federal level.
"Although nine issues related to Sabah's rights under Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63) have been fully resolved, many matters are still under negotiation, including the 40 per cent share of federal revenue in Sabah.
"I have informed the Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor) of my commitment at the Federal level to advocate for the rights and aspirations of the people of Sabah and to complement the efforts being undertaken by the Sabah Government," he said after a courtesy visit to Hajiji at Menara Kinabalu here.
The Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperatives minister also said that he is assisting Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof in coordinating Sabah's issues, affirmed the Federal Government's commitment to finding solutions to these demands through the MA63 Implementation Action Council and the MA63 Technical Committee.
In another statement, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the recent successful settlement by the Sarawak government regarding its continental shelf and the associated oil and gas resources is commendable.
With the recognition of Sarawak's rights, he said Sabah, as one of the two Borneo states, automatically deserves the same recognition.
"It is only fair and logical that Sabah's territorial and resource rights are equally acknowledged and respected.
"As Sabah Day approaches, it is a timely reminder of our rich heritage and the ongoing struggle to uphold our rights.
"This day not only celebrates our history but also reinforces our commitment to safeguarding Sabah's territorial integrity and resource ownership."