KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has its own way in dealing with the federal government in matters pertaining to restoration of state rights and devolution of power.
State Special Task Minister Datuk Seri Teo Chee Kang, in a statement, said there was no need for Sabah to emulate Sarawak in pursuing the matter.
"We have our own way of dealing with Kuala Lumpur, which can be more effective and result-oriented.
"Therefore, there is no need to pass a resolution in the state legislative assembly as done by our neighbour state.
"Doing so will not add any strength to the legal basis of the claims, as our substantive rights are already clearly embedded in the Federal Constitution," he said.
As the foundation of the Federation of Malaysia, Teo said the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Inter-Governmental Report should remain relevant and useful reference when addressing issues of federal-state relations.
The State Rights Committee chairman, who is also Liberal Democratic Party president, also welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's assurance that the rights of Sabah people unintentionally taken by Kuala Lumpur will be returned.
"He also made it clear that he shared our sentiments with regard to MA63.
"Such unequivocal statement of the PM shows that the Federal government is committed to resolve all issues pertaining MA63 with Sabah." said Teo.
During the launching of 32nd Parti Bersatu Sabah Congress on Saturday, Najib has asked Sabahans to give the government time to interpret the 1963 agreement before it makes changes.
He said MA63 needed time for legal interpretation and required meetings between state and the federal governments.