KOTA KINABALU: The incoming prime minister and the new cabinet must prioritise the restoration of Sabah and Sarawak's constitutional rights, as well as the fulfilment of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

       Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said as a local party fighting for state rights, they hoped that the new prime minister would follow in the footsteps of his predecessor Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who was openly sympathetic to Sabah and Sarawak's struggles.

       "Ideally, all local parties in Sabah and Sarawak should work together as one," he said.

       "It is our opportunity to consolidate our political voice and free ourselves from financial and political dependence on the Federal government," he said.

       Kitingan, who is also Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, was dismayed by the ongoing political wrangling at Federal level.

       "It is incredibly improper and irresponsible to play politics at a time when we should be doing everything we can to ease the people's sufferings and boost the economy," he said.

       "Unfortunately, things are already in motion. I am hoping for the best possible outcome for Sabah and Sarawak," he added.