SABAH Chief Minister Shafie Apdal raised the need for Putrajaya to start the devolution of federal powers to the state at a meeting with Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali today.

He told Azmin the process can start in areas where the state government already has the machinery and capabilities to handle.

Citing development as an example, Shafie said the state Public Works Department has proven itself capable of handling projects, including dealing with leakages and late deliveries.

“I had voiced our concerns in the aspect of devolving some of federal powers to the state.

“I have told Azmin that there are still areas in Sabah where its people are still in need of various amenities and we need the funds and powers to be able to execute them.

“I am confident the state already has the machinery to execute them, although there are some weaknesses here and there, but the state agencies are here working round-the-clock to monitor the development,” Shafie told reporters after spending more than an hour talking with Azmin.

Azmin paid a courtesy call to the chief minister as part of his three-day visit to Sabah in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebrations tomorrow night.

The Warisan-Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition had promised to restore the autonomous rights of Sabah in their election manifesto.

As a start, the Warisan-led Sabah government has established two new ministries for the purpose, namely Education and Innovation and also Health and People Wellbeing.

But the two ministries lack funds due to the delay on Putrajaya’s side in granting 20% oil royalty and sharing 50% of revenue, which is also part of the PH manifesto.

Shafie, who said the creation of the ministries were not meant to replace the role of federal ministries, also noted both federal and state governments have already agreed to resolve overlapping purviews.

“Objectively, both federal and state governments want to solve the people’s problems so that the people are comfortable.

“Although, there might be some issues along the way, I am certain we will find a way to resolve all of them with PH,” he said.

The same devolution of power was carried out during Barisan Nasional (BN) rule but critics complained that the process was too slow and lengthy.

Shafie said he also discussed the oil royalty issue with Azmin.

“I touched on the matter, but as we already know, Azmin had said something in Parliament. And I too have made clear the state government’s stand.

“Azmin did not mention anything but only responded with a smile.

“No matter, we will look into how best the oil royalty issue can be adjusted and how the federal government can implement the 20%.

“There are some issues that needed to be detailed further. There is no need for me to elaborate them, but I will raise it with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad instead.

“Whether it is tomorrow, the next day after that or whenever the time is made for both of us to sit down and discuss,” he said.

Dr Mahathir is expected to be in Kota Kinabalu tomorrow night along with several ministers, Sarawak leaders and other dignitaries to witness the Malaysia Day celebrations, which marked the birth of Malaysia 55 years ago.

Previously, both Dr Mahathir and Azmin had interpreted the payment of the oil royalty was based on profit made by the national oil company, Petronas, although the practice was based on gross production.

Shafie recently made clear the stand of the Sabah Cabinet that the payment should be retained based on gross production, saying Putrajaya is clearly making more revenue than the state despite having 30% of the national oil production originating from the state.

While Sabah only makes 5% at present, he said Putrajaya also collects dividend and tax from Petronas, on top of the 5% royalty entitlement. – September 15, 2018.