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Daily Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
If Sarawak can, Sabah can: SAPP
Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025 Text Size: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Deputy President Datuk Richard Yong We Kong Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Deputy President Datuk Richard Yong We Kong called on Sabahans to take ownership of their future as the State Assembly is set to dissolve automatically by Nov. 11, paving the way for the state election. The SAPP Sec-Gen said the election presents an important opportunity for the people to strengthen state autonomy and ensure Sabah's direction remains in the hands of its own people. Speaking at the joint annual meeting of the SAPP Kepayan and Moyog Constituency Liaison Committees in Penampang, Yong, who is a Deputy Speaker, believes the future of Sabah must be decided by Sabahans themselves. 'This is a critical moment. We must defend our sovereignty and ensure the key to our future remains in our own hands,' he said. Citing neighbour Sarawak, Yong pointed to its achievements in financial independence. 'Sarawak has stood firm in asserting its rights. It recorded RM14.1 billion in revenue for 2024, more than double Sabah's RM6.4 billion. It has established its own sovereign wealth fund and is introducing free education. This shows what's possible when a state holds control over its finances.' In contrast, he laments Sabah still relies heavily on federal allocations and has yet to realise the 40 per cent net revenue return promised under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Despite five changes in the federal leadership, he said, progress on MA63 has remained elusive. He also called on Sabahans to closely follow the Sabah Law Society's legal action which goes to trial on July 7, seeking to enforce the 40 per cent revenue entitlement. 'If successful, just from inland revenue alone, this could mean at least RM2 billion more for Sabah,' he said. 'What matters most is that Sabah's future is decided by Sabahans who are truly committed to defending our rights. We cannot hand the key to outsiders,' he stressed. SAPP Kepayan CLC Chairman Datuk Chong Pit Fah said the annual meeting carried special weight with the state election looming, describing it as a time for serious reflection on Sabah's future. He drew comparisons to Sarawak's firm stance on oil royalties, federal allocations and control over its own media. 'Everything Sarawak asked for has been delivered, step by step. Today, Sarawak is wealthier than Putrajaya. If we in Sabah want the same outcome, the only way forward is to vote for local parties,' Chong said. He said SAPP, which pulled out of Barisan Nasional in 2008, was the first to openly champion the Sabah autonomy movement and has consistently defended state rights. 'In recent times, some peninsula-based parties have started claiming they too support autonomy. But these are empty words designed to confuse the public and blur the facts,' he said. 'True autonomy means we no longer have to fly across the South China Sea just to ask what is rightfully ours.' He urged Sabahans to stop believing the notion that such aspirations are impossible. 'Sarawak has already proven otherwise. Blindly following others will only lead to confusion, and in the end, all we'll be left with are more taxes.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabahans must hold own key, says SAPP
Richard (front row, third from left), Chong (fourth from left) and Aloysius (second from left) with SAPP members at the annual general meeting. KOTA KINABALU (June 28): The people of Sabah must defend their sovereignty and make sure the key to their future stays in their own hands in the coming state election, said Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) deputy president cum secretary-general Datuk Richard Yong We Kong. 'Sarawak has stood firm in defending its rights. Its state government recorded RM14.1 billion in revenue for 2024, which is more than twice the revenue of Sabah. 'Sarawak has already set up its own sovereign wealth fund and is introducing free education. This shows a high level of financial independence. In comparison, Sabah's revenue during the same period is only RM6.4 billion. Our financial structure still relies heavily on federal allocations.' Richard, who also serves as Deputy Speaker of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, made these remarks on Friday evening while officiating the annual general meeting of SAPP Kepayan and Moyog Constituency Liaison Committees, held jointly in Penampang. He pointed out that Sabah has yet to fully implement the 40 percent net revenue return promised under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'This continues to prevent us from having genuine financial control.' He added that even after five prime ministers, MA63 has made little real progress and Sabah continues to be sidelined. Richard urged everyone in Sabah to pay close attention to the court case brought by the Sabah Law Society, which will be heard on July 7. 'This case is seeking to legally enforce our 40 percent revenue entitlement, which allows, just from inland revenue alone, Sabah to gain at least RM2 billion more. 'What matters most is that Sabah's future must be decided by Sabahans who are truly committed to defending our rights. We cannot hand the key to outsiders,' he added. SAPP Kepayan CLC chairman Datuk Chong Pit Fah said the annual general meeting is especially important as the state election draws near. 'This is a moment for us to seriously reflect on the future of Sabah,' he said. He emphasised that Sarawak has been consistent in standing its ground on issues such as oil royalties, federal allocations and control over its own media narrative. The federal government does not dare to cross Sarawak's lines. Everything Sarawak has asked for has been fulfilled, step by step. 'Today, Sarawak is financially richer than the federal government. If we in Sabah want the same, there is only one way forward. We must vote for local parties.' Chong said that SAPP, since leaving Barisan Nasional in 2008, was the first party to openly champion the cause of Sabah autonomy, and had never shied away from speaking out. 'Parties from Peninsular Malaysia, however, now claim that they also support autonomy. But such talk is only meant to confuse the public and blur the facts. 'True autonomy means we no longer have to fly across the South China Sea to ask for what is rightfully ours,' he added. Chong called on Sabah voters to stop being deceived that this is impossible. Sarawak is already a living example of what can be done. 'Blindly following others will only cause us to lose our direction. In the end, all we will get is tax, tax and more tax.' SAPP Moyog CLC chairman Aloysius Danim Siap said that the party has always taken a practical and down-to-earth approach, and engaged the grassroots directly and does not rely on empty slogans. 'Our leaders are consistent in both word and action. We never back down when it comes to defending Sabah's sovereignty. Real progress must be concrete and deliverable,' he said.
Daily Express
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Clarity needed in tax policy: Yong
Published on: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 18, 2025 Text Size: Yong, a Nominated Assemblyman and former Chief Minister, said recent announcements on new taxes, suspensions and postponements of policies have left Malaysians and business owners bewildered. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Progressive Party President Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee called on the Government to pause further tax changes, engage meaningfully with stakeholders and restore clarity, affordability and ease of collection in order to stabilise the economy and rebuild public confidence. He also urged the Inland Revenue Board to desist from enforcement on the new taxes until rates and procedures are clarified, taxpayers can afford them and collection is effective rather than punitive, as harsh enforcement risks destroying businesses and livelihoods. Advertisement Yong, a Nominated Assemblyman and former Chief Minister, said recent announcements on new taxes, suspensions and postponements of policies have left Malaysians and business owners bewildered. 'It is observed that the recently announced sales and service tax (SST) is imposed inconsistently even on the same category of products. 'For example, local and imported avocados are subject to different rates, creating confusion for both consumers and businesses,' he said. Meanwhile, tax enforcement actions are pressing forward despite the unclear guidelines and the current weak economic conditions. Yong said the first essential principle of any proper tax system is that rules must be clear enough for people and businesses to understand their obligations without confusion. 'A second foundational requirement is that tax rates be set at levels taxpayers can reasonably afford, especially in a fragile economy where many are already struggling. 'A third guiding tenet is that the Government's collection process must be simple and predictable, avoiding enforcement actions that punish those who genuinely wish to comply,' he added. Yong said the ongoing shifts in SST rules, e-invoicing deadlines, fuel subsidy adjustments and stamp duty regulations fail to meet these three core standards. 'This persistent uncertainty undermines trust, deters investment and deepens the hardship faced by struggling families and small enterprises.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Put tax changes on hold, engage stakeholders to ensure clarity, urges former Sabah CM
KOTA KINABALU: The government should pause further tax changes and first engage with stakeholders to restore clarity, affordability, and ease of compliance, says a former Sabah chief minister. Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, who leads the Sabah Progressive Party, said recent policy shifts have confused both consumers and businesses. 'This is not just about paperwork. Harsh and unclear enforcement risks destroying small businesses and livelihoods,' he said in a statement Tuesday (June 17). Yong was referring to the recent government announcements involving the revised sales and service tax (SST) structure — which expanded SST coverage from 6% to 8% for certain services starting March 1 — as well as upcoming e-invoicing requirements, fuel subsidy rationalisation plans, and stamp duty adjustments. He said tax enforcement was pressing ahead despite unclear guidelines and fragile economic conditions. He outlined three key principles that should guide any tax system — clarity in rules, affordability of rates, and predictability in enforcement. 'People must be able to understand their obligations without confusion. Rates must be reasonable, especially when so many are already struggling. And enforcement must not punish those trying to comply,' he said. He added that the ongoing changes fail to meet these principles, undermining trust, deterring investment, and worsening hardship for families and small enterprises. Yong also called on the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) to hold off on enforcing the new tax rules until proper procedures are in place and businesses are financially ready to comply.
Daily Express
09-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Draft Sandakan Recovery Plan urged
Published on: Monday, June 09, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 09, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Lau pointed out Sandakan's unique natural resources and ecological landscape, including the Kinabatangan River, tropical rainforests and conservation areas, which have high potential for development as international eco-tourism destinations. SANDAKAN: Sabah Progressive Party Vice President cum Tanjung Papat Division Chairman Lau Chi Keong wants the government to immediately draft a Sandakan Recovery Plan to address its long-standing development challenges. The proposed plan focuses on infrastructure improvements, establishing an Urban Transformation Centre (UTC), developing tourism packages and creating mechanisms to retain talented youths to pull Sabah's second-largest city out of its prolonged developmental stagnation. Advertisement Lau said the Sabah Government should prioritise addressing water supply, electricity and road issues that have plagued Sandakan for years, while making it a priority to set up a UTC to improve administrative efficiency and public service delivery. He also suggested creating a small and medium enterprise incubation centre to encourage local entrepreneurship and integrate industry supply chains. 'We need to be more proactive in tourism by developing eco-tourism, historical and cultural tours, and food trails, positioning Sandakan as an international transit tourism city,' Lau said in a statement. Lau pointed out Sandakan's unique natural resources and ecological landscape, including the Kinabatangan River, tropical rainforests and conservation areas, which have high potential for development as international eco-tourism destinations. Advertisement However, he expressed disappointment over the lack of coordination and promotion by previous governments, which resulted in these resources being underutilised and stunted economic growth. Addressing local economic recovery, Lau said skilled worker migration must be tackled first. He called on elected representatives to establish technology and skills training centres to enhance youth competitiveness. Lau noted that basic infrastructure issues in Sandakan remain unchanged from previous administrations to the present. Lau praised new Sandakan Municipal Council President Walter Kenson for showing results in city cleanliness management within less than four months in office. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
