KOTA KINABALU: Several proposed policies that would have been detrimental to Sabah were withdrawn because of objections by ministers from the state, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan said.

The Urban Well-being, Housing and Local Government Minister said he had personally objected to several proposed policies listed in Cabinet papers.

“I am thankful that the Prime Minister (Najib Tun Razak) listens to a junior minister from Sabah,” said Rahman, the Kota Belud Umno deputy chief, after attending the state party’s 25th anniversary celebrations here on Monday.

He said he and other ministers from Sabah, including Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau, were continuously defending the state’s rights in the Cabinet.

“Since becoming minister, I have made sure that Sabah receives hundreds of millions of ringgit in federal allocation,” he said, adding that he also supported any move for Sabah to get 40% of funds collected by the Federal Government from the state.

He said was disappointed with criticisms against him by Sabah activist Zainnal Ajamain, who claimed that he had undermined Anifah’s efforts in getting that 40% revenue for the state.

He said Zainnal’s statement in a local newspaper was based on a report in a news portal that did not reflect all he had stated in an hour-long interview.

“I am disappointed. The question of state rights is everybody’s concern and we in the Cabinet have been doing our part,” Abdul Rahman added.

He said defending the state’s rights should be the concern of all Sabahans.-thestar