KOTA KINABALU: The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been a faithful team player to Barisan Nasional (BN) since its admission 25 years ago, said its president Datuk Teo Chee Kang.
Teo said the party, which was registered in 1989, started as an opposition party in the state and has remained steadfast in its struggle, despite numerous challenges over the years.
"Since the admission of the LDP into BN in 1991, we have remained a valuable partner and continue to stay relevant in Sabah politics," said Teo at the party's 27th conference.
In delivering his policy speech, Teo noted that very few parties have lasted for more than 25 years in Sabah, adding that the LDP has been able to withstand the test of time for three reasons.
"Firstly, we are (faithful) to our principles and objectives; secondly, we persevere through turbulences and tough times; and thirdly, we consistently reinvigorate our organisation," he said.
Touching on the rights of Sabah under the Malaysian Agreement 1963 and the Federal Constitution, Teo said a thorough review needs to be carried out to restore the state's special rights.
He also said Sabah's entitlement to a special grant (of an amount equivalent to 40 per cent of the increase in net revenue derived by the Federal government) must be revised.
"Net revenue means the revenue that accrues to the Federation, (excluding) the amount received by the State by way of assignment under Part III or V of the Tenth Schedule (of the Federal Constitution).
"As provided in Article 112D, such special grants are subject to mandatory review by the Federal and state government every five years.
"However, it is most disappointing to note that after the first review in 1969, where the amount for the subsequent five years was determined, there has not been any review. (This is) in breach of the Federal Constitution," he said.
Due to that, Teo who is also Sabah Special Task Force minister, said the annual special grant amount for Sabah remains at the 1974 level of RM26.7 million.
Meanwhile, on the subject of being allotted an additional 13 seats in the upcoming election, he said the LDP hopes to contest in several new seats, particularly in urban and suburban areas.
"It is our firm stance that the 13 new seats must be allocated to component parties based on the notion of power-sharing in BN," he added.
On the upgrading of Sepanggar Port, Teo said the Federal government has approved RM1.027 billion price tag under the 11th Malaysian Plan.
Teo said he first made the proposal to upgrade and develop Sepanggar Port into a transmission hub during the party's congress two years ago, and received a positive response from Najib.