Upko secretary-general Nelson Angang has questioned whether MCA has the freedom to make its own decisions as a member of Barisan Nasional or simply follows the orders of other component parties.
He said it was unfair for MCA’s Dr Pamela Yong to describe Upko’s exit from Pakatan Harapan and the Cabinet as being theatrical, when MCA itself rarely spoke up for Sabah’s rights, and its entitlement to a share of federal revenue earned in the state.
“It is very easy to criticise another party that has the courage to make firm decisions and declare ‘enough is enough’, yet MCA remains in BN despite repeatedly claiming it is not treated fairly,” he said in a statement tonight.
Nelson said Upko’s move was a principled defence of Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“When our views, voices and decisions are no longer respected, we are prepared to walk away from the government, even with two years of its term remaining,” he said. “It was not a small decision, but one made because we refuse to compromise on Sabah’s rights.”
On Saturday, Yong had said Upko “moved wherever the winds blew strongest”, claiming the party only rediscovered “Sabah rights” ahead of the state election. She said Upko had abandoned the revenue claim while in PH, referring to Sabah PH’s withdrawal of its suit against Putrajaya.
However, Nelson said the originating summons had created “awareness, debate and pressure” on the federal government to honour Sabah’s constitutional revenue share.
“What has MCA done to advance Sabah’s interests? Upko has been consistent in championing MA63 since the beginning,” he said.
Upko president Ewon Benedick, who stepped down as a federal minister last week, had warned that Sabah leaders from national parties may face “instructions from party presidents across the sea”, weakening the state’s hand in talks such as the 40% entitlement.
Putrajaya has decided to appeal against parts of the High Court ruling affirming Sabah’s entitlement to revenue sharing.
