“It takes into account the wishes of the people, focusing especially on the interests of the people in Sabah and Sarawak, while at the same time being more realistic in ensuring the next phase of the country’s development,” he said.
The Sabah chief minister said BN chairman Najib Razak as prime minister had paid special attention to the rights of Sabah as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) even before the manifesto was introduced.
“We are confident that the prime minister’s promise to return and safeguard our rights and interests under MA63, which is further strengthened by this manifesto, is proof of his sincerity towards the leaders and people of Sabah,” he said.
The manifesto, themed “With BN for A Greater Malaysia” launched by Najib in Kuala Lumpur last night promised that the rights of Sabah and Sarawak would be realised through consensus between the federal government and the two Borneo states.
Musa said the consensus method involved discussion and dialogue that had brought much success for Sabah.
He cited as example the increased telecommunication networks in the states, making them on par with the rest of the country.
“We believe it will give more benefits to the interest and well-being of the people of Sabah,” he said in a statement.
Yesterday, Najib pledged to return to Sabah and Sarawak the rights provided for under MA63.
“If we have accidentally taken it or deliberately taken during the rule of certain leaders, we will return it (the rights),” he said.
He said the government was also adjusting the ratio of teachers in Sabah and Sarawak so that 90% would be local and 10% from the peninsula.
“Now, we have already reached 87% (local teachers) for both states,” he said.
The BN manifesto also promised to upgrade water villages in Sabah, introduce English-medium schools in both states, include more Sabah history in the History school subject and provide more stable electricity supply through the RM4.3 billion Trans Sabah Gas Pipeline (TSGP).
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