Malaysian MP probed over Sabah, Sarawak comments, highlighting sensitivities over threat by ‘golden geese’ to fly away
- Move follows speech in which opposition MP Azis Jamman said perceived discrimination by the federal government was fuelling calls for Sabah to break away
- Politicians from the resource-rich states claim they have been short-changed in the 2022 budget, but have been warned against ‘fanning the fire’ of discontent
A Malaysian lawmaker was this week summoned for investigation by the police after making a speech in parliament in which he said there were growing calls for secession within the eastern state of Sabah over perceived discrimination by the federal government.
After his summons, at a press conference in parliament, Azis Jamman of the opposition Warisan party in Sabah expressed disappointment over the police’s move and said he stood by his words.
He also questioned why he was the only MP called in by police when other lawmakers had highlighted the same issue, including Sabah’s Deputy Chief Minister Jeffrey Kitingan who was even more outspoken.
On November 8, Kitingan had told parliament that 60 per cent of East Malaysians were calling “for Sabah and Sarawak to leave Malaysia” because they were disappointed with the development funds allocated to Sabah in the 2022 national budget.
Kitingan did not give any details for the basis of that claim.
“I hope the prime minister listens to the voices from Sabah and Sarawak and saves Malaysia from breaking up,” Kitingan said, while debating the budget.