“Whatever happens in the peninsula will have some kind of effect on Sabah and Sarawak too, whether they sneeze or cough.

“We have to take note of that. This is what the people wanted, and we have to accept that decision,” the Semporna MP told reporters after launching a special executive course for MPs and assemblymen here.

He added that the government would take steps to ensure that Sabahans do not reject the present administration.

“We will see how we can coordinate to ensure our position as the government, and that our elected representatives fulfil the people’s expectations,” he said.

Shafie also said he would meet Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad tomorrow to discuss matters pertaining to Sabah’s rights, as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

He said they would discuss Sabah’s pursuit of the 20% oil royalty and 40% revenue from the federal government, among others.

“What’s important to us is to have that engagement and to expedite these matters because it is what the people want,” he said.