SABAH opposition coalition United Sabah Alliance (USA) unveiled its 14-point manifesto today, promising to demand Putrajaya grant full autonomy, including the executive powers, over the state’s own security.  

The coalition also planned to revive the British residency system, to better govern Sabah, within 100 days of forming the state government if it wins the mandate in the 14th general election. 

Sabah Progressive Party president Yong Teck Lee said the state would be divided into eight residencies, namely Gaya, Marudu, Kinabalu, Kinabatangan,Segama, Trusmadi, Padas and Labuan. 

He said USA would also demand the return of Labuan island from Putrajaya if it forms the government. 

“The creation of the residency system will oversee its own development, with various federal and state agencies formed in each division. 

“This way, Sabah will not only see progress brought into each of its residencies based on the strength and resources there, but also create more jobs for Sabahans,” he told a crowd of 5,000 at the coalition’s national convention in Kota Kinabalu today. 

He said the USA government would always remind itself of Sabah in its former glory back as a sovereign nation during the North Borneo era, but added that the coalition would never leave Malaysia as it respected the Malaysia Agreement 1963. 

In its manifesto, USA promised to introduce “bangsa Sabah” and Sabah identity cards to distinguish between genuine Sabahans and indigenous people from “bumiputera”. 

The coalition also promised to implement zero-rated GST, abolish the Cabotage Policy, form a land commission and tribunal, resolve the Philippines’ claim on Sabah, demand Sabah’s rightful share of state revenue collected by the federal government, full autonomy and equal partner status in the federation of Malaysia. 

USA comprises Sabah STAR, led by Bingkor assemblyman Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Harapan Rakyat, led by Klias assemblyman Lajim Ukin, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), led by former chief minister Yong Teck Lee and Parti Perpaduan Rakyat Sabah (PPRS), led by Mohd Arshad Abdul Mualap. 

USA has been often viewed as the third opposition force in Sabah after Parti Warisan Sabah and the national Pakatan Harapan coalition. 

At a press conference, coalition chairman and veteran politician Mohd Noor Mansor said the party was constantly in contact with other opposition parties, although unofficially. 

He said cooperation between all opposition parties was most welcome, but said USA would not work with any parties linked to Peninsular-based parties. 

Noor Mansor also said that 90% of the coalition’s seat distribution plans had been completed, but it was still willing to negotiate with other opposition parties to form a more united opposition alliance in Sabah. 

“All of us will see a split in votes among voters, that is for sure. But how big the split is, we have yet to be certain.  

“We welcome any form of cooperation with other opposition parties, but we certainly will not work with any parties with links to any Peninsular political parties,” said Noor Mansor, dismissing the possibility of working with Warisan as the party potrayed itself as a proxy of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed. 

On the choice of candidates, Noor Mansor said USA would also field more young candidates and women politicians for the election, while Dr Jeffrey, Lajim and Arshad confirmed they would be contesting in the elections. 

Only Yong remained mum on whether he would contest. – March 4, 2018.