FORMER minister Anifah Aman, who quit Umno to become an independent MP, will form a Sabah-based party focused on restoring the state’s rights as per the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said sources.

The MA63 agenda will be the new outfit’s main struggle, as Anifah does not believe national parties are able to fight for Sabah’s rights.

“(Anifah) does not wish to join any national party, owing to his personal experience of being handicapped when trying to pursue Sabah rights when he was with a national party.

“The leadership of national parties tends to be more concerned about the interests of members and leaders in the peninsula than the interests of people in Sabah and Sarawak,” a source told The Malaysian Insight.

The Kimanis lawmaker, who quit Umno in September, also found his previous attempts to raise issues related to MA63 stifled, added the source.

“Hence, his decision to establish a Sabah-based party, meeting the aspirations of the people in Sabah and Sarawak.”

When he quit Umno, Anifah had said it was because Barisan Nasional could not abide by MA63.

As an independent, he has supported remarks by Sabah Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal and Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad for Sabah and Sarawak to be treated as equal partners to the peninsula.

Sources said Anifah is supportive of the consultative committee comprising the Federation of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak that has been tasked with evaluating whether MA63 has been achieved and recommending measures to assist in its implementation.

They said he also supports the Pakatan Harapan federal government, recognising the administration’s role in developing the country.

The new party will join the crowded field of Sabah-based outfits, with state opposition coalition Gabungan Bersatu Sabah comprising Umno, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah.

Shafie’s Parti Warisan Sabah leads the state government in a mixed coalition that includes DAP, PKR and the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation. – December 14, 2018.