KOTA KINABALU: The devolution of power on fisheries is a first step toward Sabah regaining greater autonomy from the federal government.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G Kitingan said he is delighted that the fight to restore Sabah’s autonomy is gaining momentum ever since the GRS took over power in the region.
“This is an excellent and positive step toward achieving Sabah and Sarawak’s autonomy. I thank the federal government and my counterpart, Datuk Seri Panglima Ronald Kiandee, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, for making this possible,” he said in a statement here today.
Kitingan attended today’s event to accept the letter of empowerment on deep sea licence in Sabah at the Sabah Assembly Building.
The event was organised by the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs). Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili.
Kitingan said as a result of the devolution of power, his ministry via the Sabah Fisheries Department would now be able to process and issue deep sea fishing licences in Sabah and Labuan.
“The next step is for the Sabah government to enact our own laws on fisheries. This is a huge development and a win for the GRS-led Sabah government that we are able to achieve this.
“Prior to today, everything linked to deep sea licence had to go to the federal level which was invconvenient and a loss to our fishing industry,” he said.
He continued that the GRS government’s excellent work towards restoring Sabah’s full autonomy would not be halted by today’s event, and that the GRS government will continue to work with Ongkili’s ministry to achieve full autonomy.
“The bottom line is, we want our rights back, and I am delighted we are making progress in that direction.
“With the close and healthy partnership between the Sabah and federal governments, I am optimistic we will be able to accompolish this sooner rather than later,” he said.-pr/BNN
