In this regard, he said the allocation for Sabah and Sarawak should be one-third of the funds under the Malaysia Five-Year Development Plan as well as the annual federal budget.
He then cited recent reports on the call for Sabah and Sarawak to be allocated one-third of the seats in the Dewan Rakyat.
“One-third of the development allocation and funds (for Sabah and Sarawak) should also get due attention,” he said when opening the 16th Upko triennial general meeting here today.
He said Upko wanted greater focus to be given to Sabah and Sarawak, encompassing every aspect of the people’s livelihood including having quality facilities and infrastructure that are necessary for uplifting the socioeconomic status of the people.
“When we talk about the target of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it should not remain just on the lips, claiming Malaysia has adopted the SDGs drafted by the United Nations.
“We don’t want Sabah to remain a poor state for another 50 years. We don’t want to talk about the lack of quality water supply for another 50 years.
“We don’t want to talk about the existence of dilapidated schools for another 50 years.”
Meanwhile, Tangau asked Upko vice-president Ewon Benedick, who will take over the party presidency, to strengthen Upko so that it will always remain relevant, especially in the current era.
“Today, we are in a new political landscape. It requires a new leadership approach.
“I am urging all members to play a more effective role, based on the new approach, to help the party succeed in its struggle and to prioritise the long-term benefits for the party and the people.
“Upko must always listen to the people’s voices and grouses.
“The times have changed in terms of various challenges which, of course, require us to make decisions throughout our struggle as a political organisation.”
He said Upko should avoid things that people hate the most among political parties and their leaders, such as racist politics, religious extremism, corruption and arrogance.
Ewon will officially take over the position of Upko president from Tangau this afternoon after being the only candidate for the position.
Tangau, who is also Tuaran MP, will be appointed Upko honorary president.
Upko is a Pakatan Harapan (PH) component party.