Sabah and Sarawak will always be a part of Malaysia: DPM

KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah and Sarawak will always remain a part of Malaysia, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
While launching the book entitled Berpisah Tiada (Inseparable), written by Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, Ahmad Zahid said he was confident that differences between the federal government and the two states could be resolved.
"54 years ago, our leaders had wished for a united Malaysia ... the togetherness of the people from the three places – Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak.
"Although we are different, we must be united in our thinking. Don't use some biased research to manipulate the facts to the point of causing discomfort among the people," Ahmad Zahid said during the launch of the book.
He said the book aims to explain issues affecting the people in Sabah and Sarawak, as well as its politics and attitudes towards Peninsular Malaysia.
"We must be big-hearted and accept the fact that the power lies with the people. They get to decide, so leave it to them. Do not poison their minds," Ahmad Zahid said.
Meanwhile, Pandikar said the book is meant to alter people's perception of the relationship between the federal government and Sabah and Sarawak.
Pandikar said he wrote the book to dispel the notion that the rights of Sabahans were being violated.
"I wrote this because I don't want to be remembered by the next generation as an individual who is able to do an analysis but failed to do so.
"I was accused of taking bribes because of my opinions. But I want to say this, I will debate with anyone on Sabah. Name your place and name your time, I'll be there," Pandikar said.