SABAH will not give up on its immigration controls, said chief minister Shafie Apdal, but adding that efforts to getting back other state rights will take time.

He said getting  back control over health and education requires a lot of discussions with the federal government.

Shafie said the state will retain its control on immigration and will improve state laws to protect Sabahans.

“Like education and health, there are many state powers that have been diluted since the country was formed over 50 years ago.

“I have to admit, there are many issues that have to be ironed out with the related ministries before the devolution can be done.”

Shafie was replying to Kuala Penyu assemblyman Limus Jury  and Sulaman assemblyman Hajiji Noor on the devolution of powers and immigration.

Sabah had retained the right to control immigration in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Hajiji, who is also the Sabah Umno liaison chief also asked whether the state government will form a special committee to study the MA63, before negotiating with Putrajaya on the devolution of powers.

Shafie said the state will not be setting up any committee, and will depend on the Institute of Development of Studies and the state attorney-general’s office to come out with a white paper on Sabah’s rights.

“We are also open and welcome to all stakeholders, be it politicians from the opposition and civil society pressure groups, on their views about Sabah’s rights.

“The state A-G will have to compile and study all of the demands before coming out with a paper.” – November 12, 2018.