JEFFREY’S CONDITIONS UNIMAGINABLE – HARRIS

Jeffrey’s conditions unimaginable – Harris

KOTA KINABALU May 29, 2012: Former Chief Minister Tan Sri Harris Mohd Salleh has urged STAR Sabah chief Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan to drop the conditions he set for the proposed debate between them on the latter’s claims that Kuala Lumpur is colonizing Sabah.

Harris said he is very pleased that Jeffrey has accepted his offer for a public debate on the controversial issue, but the conditions imposed by Jeffrey were unimaginable.

“I hope Datuk Jeffrey will accept the proposed public debate on the issue with an open mind for the benefit of Sabahans.

“The conditions that I must have the authority both from the Federal and State Government and that I have no locus standi are unimaginable and it looks like he has chickened out of the proposed debate.

“There is no legal standing needed; it is a normal open public debate between two persons. It is the people who will make their own conclusion after listening to both sides.

“There is no legal authority required for a debate – may be not even police permit. Therefore, Datuk Jeffery demanding this and that is a mockery of present day civilization,” he said in a statement yesterday.

According to Harris, Datuk Jeffrey’s challenge to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman to a public debate on his claims that the Federal Government is colonising Sabah is a very serious matter.

“Therefore, since it is unlikely that the State Government will get involved, I offered myself instead for a public debate correcting any wrong perception.

“In the absence of correct and accurate information which keep the general public guessing with wrong facts – wrong facts will create wrong decisions.

“Over the years and more so recently, there were many allegations and accusations against the Federal Government, including the issuance of identity cards to the illegals.

“Nevertheless the allegation made by Datuk Jeffrey that Sabah is being colonized is the turning point in the history of Sabah in the Federation of Malaysia. This is a United Nations case, if it is true,” he said.

Harris said the other conditions and issues raised by Jeffrey are not worth responding to.

He said: “It appears that on his own admission Datuk Jeffrey wanted International Bodies or Communities involved in the proposed debate.

“It shows that he adamantly refused to accept the existence of Malaysia as sovereign and independent country and it is ruled by Parliamentary Democracy. It is chosen every five years by the people, it is ruled by the majority, and it is for the people.

“The proposed debate is an open public debate, and anyone can attend including foreigners. Hopefully TVS will be attracted to televise live from Kota Kinabalu. “The subject is very clear ‘Kuala Lumpur is colonizing Sabah’. As such, the debate will confine itself to the issue – that is all.

“The line of debate is Datuk Jeffrey will present his case one by one, and I will give my comment on the evidences presented whether fair and just or otherwise.

“Of course the general public will have the last say as to whether Datuk Jeffrey’s allegations and accusations have any substance or not.

“Nevertheless, if Datuk Jeffrey proves his case that Kuala Lumpur is really colonising us, then we Sabahans must fight hard up to the stage of revolting.

“I hope Datuk Jeffrey will forgo his unimaginable conditions and accept the open debate for the benefit of Sabahans and perhaps members of Asean countries.

“Also with this debate any wrong perception about Kuala Lumpur will be resolved and cleared once and for all. The same will also clear the names and image of Sabah representatives at the Federal Government.”

Harris stressed that Sabah is part and parcel of Malaysia.

“Sabah is also part and parcel of the Federal Government. Sabah has 25 members of Parliament, 3 senators and has allocated almost all the time three Federal Ministers.

“Based on Parliamentary Democracy, any decision taken by the Federal Government is collective.

“This decision includes the participation of Sabah and Sabahans. Surely over these years if any action taken by the Federal Government contrary to the Constitution and laws made by Parliament, Sabah representatives would have opposed and draw the attention of the State Government and Sabahans.

“However, all these while not a single Sabah representative in the Federal Government has revealed anything that show the Federal Government is colonising Sabah, it has been over 40 years.

“Everything looks normal and so far so good. Out of the blue however, Datuk Jeffrey claims that all this while Sabah is being colonised by the Federal Government.

“This is something new and serious allegation. Therefore, it is important to go down to the bottom of the allegation by way of public debate in the interest of Sabahans,” he said.