SANDAKAN: Six Parti Warisan State Legislative Assembly members (ADUNs) today issued a joint statement criticising Sandakan Member of Parliament, YB Vivian Wong Shir Yee, regarding the struggle for Sabah’s rights and the development of the people in Sandakan.
The six ADUNs are Elopura ADUN YB Calvin Chong; Sungai Sibuga ADUN YB Lisa Alban; Sekong ADUN YB Alias Sani; Gum-Gum ADUN YB Arunarnsin Taib; Tanjong Papat ADUN YB Alex Thien; and Karamunting ADUN YB Alex Wong.
According to the joint statement, Vivian Wong was alleged to have focused more on political narratives and gaining public sympathy by claiming to champion Sabah’s interests, while Sabah’s fundamental rights had still not been firmly defended at the Federal level.
They said that Sabah representatives from certain parties within the Federal Government were also seen as failing to play an effective role, particularly on the issue of Sabah’s 40% net revenue claim.
They stated that although they hold a significant number of parliamentary seats, the position had not been fully utilised to consistently voice and defend Sabah’s interests.
In the same statement, they also raised the issue of Sabah’s petroleum revenue, the majority of which is channelled to the Federal Government, as well as concerns over possible changes to fuel subsidies such as RON95, which could have a major impact on the state’s economy and the people of Sabah.
According to them, major issues involving Sabah’s rights, including the 40% claim, are often used as political material without any clear progress in implementation.
They also alleged that Vivian Wong, who has served two terms as a government MP, had still failed to bring major changes to Sandakan’s development, particularly in terms of the economy, employment opportunities, and basic facilities such as roads, water supply, and electricity.
They said that the people currently need solutions to daily living problems rather than repeated political statements without concrete results.
The six ADUNs stressed that they would continue to uphold the principle of fighting for Sabah’s rights, including the demand for the 40% net revenue entitlement from the Federal Government.
At the same time, they also alleged that the opposing side had failed to fulfil promises to the people and merely used Sabah-related issues as political rhetoric without real action.
In this regard, they urged the people of Sabah to be more aware of current political developments and not be easily influenced by certain political propaganda.
They also called on the people to continue supporting efforts to defend and restore Sabah’s rights as enshrined under the Constitution and MA63.
