KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 — A Sabah minister has cautioned his state against copying Sarawak’s approach to restore state rights that has been taken away by Putrajaya.

Instead, Minister of Special Tasks and chairman of the State Rights Committee Datuk Seri Panglima Teo Chee Kang welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s commitment to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

"We have our own ways of dealing with Kuala Lumpur, which can be more effective and result oriented,” Teo said, as reported by The Borneo Post.

"Therefore, there is no need to pass a resolution in the State Legislative Assembly as done by our neighbour state, for doing so will not add any strength to the legal basis of our claims, as our substantive rights are already clearly embedded in the Federal Constitution.”

On November 9, the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a motion mandating the state government to form a high level special task force to negotiate with Putrajaya on all matters related to the state’s special rights and constitutional safeguards.

"As the foundation of the Federation of Malaysia, MA63 and the Inter Governmental Report shall continue to be relevant and useful reference when addressing issues of federal-state relations,” Teo added.

On Saturday, Najib said the federal government has no intention and right to take anything that rightfully belongs to Sabah and its people as provided for in the MA63.

Speaking at Parti Bersatu Sabah conference, the prime minister said that if anything had been taken inadvertently, it must be returned.