This was the stand expressed by state resource development and information technology minister Siringan Gubat, who said Sabah had its own laws and policies on any matter to consider.

“However, the Sabah government would first study the implications of such laws and policies,” Siringan was quoted as saying by the Kota Kinabalu-based daily.

He added the state government’s stand on federal laws and policies was in accordance with what had been agreed upon by Sabah, Sarawak and the Malayan Federation before the formation of Malaysia (1963).

“Sabah and Sarawak must be consulted by the federal government before the implementation of any law or policy,” Siringan said, according to The Daily Express.

Siringan, who is Upko vice-president, was advising the people “not to worry” or “let themselves be easily influenced” by certain quarters creating an issue out of any new law passed by the Dewan Rakyat or policy by the federal government.

The Paginatan assemblyman urged leaders at the grassroots level to remain abreast of the latest developments in the country, as this would help them explain the issues to the people as well.

Siringan cited two examples of the Sabah government not agreeing to the extension of federal laws and policies to the state.

The most recent, he said, was the decision of the Sabah government not to accept amendments to the law on tax exemptions for donations received by religious bodies.

“This is a fine example,” pointed out Siringan.

Another example, he said, was not to accept the federal government’s decision to allow people from Bangladesh to work in the country.

In the case of the Minimum Wage Act, he clarified, the state government had to accept its extension to Sabah “for the benefit of the people”, Daily Express reported.

He assured that the state government, under the administration of Musa Aman, remains attentive.

“We will do what is best for the state and the people,” Siringan said.