KOTA KINABALU: Sabah needs a legal repository that keeps track of its historical data, says Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) said that this will be backed by the people of Sabah, adding that it should be discussed with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said this when speaking to reporters after a dialogue with professionals in the state capital on Thursday (May 5) night.
Ongkili was asked to comment if Sabah would consider Sarawak’s move of retrieving their historical documents from London.
The legal repository proposal came up during the Sabah Law Society (SLS) webinar last month, as information regarding the Sulu claim is not organised and spread among different individuals.
Ongkili said that SLS was already involved in creating content for the school syllabus regarding the formation of Malaysia.
“I am sure the whole state will support it. Even Yayasan Sabah has the capacity to set up such a depository,” he added.
On the pursuit of Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Kota Marudu MP said Sabah is pushing for 40% of the revenue collected by the federal government from the state as well as back payments, but did not elaborate further.
Earlier when speaking to professionals, Ongkili also mentioned the possibility of going to court with the 40% revenue issue.
“These matters depend on how hard the state pushes. But I can say the Federal Government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob are very open and willing to listen,” he said.