Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said voices urging that effort be made to take out Sabah from Malaysia will adversely affect the spirit of cooperation, security and unity of the people.

The government did not want to hear voices raised by a small group stridently claiming there was no development in Sabah and urging effort be made to take Sabah out of Malaysia.

"The effort is opposed to the national and state constitutions. It is seditious in nature and if allowed to go on will affect the prevailing spirit of cooperation, security and unity in Sabah," he said when officiating the Sipitang International Gata Festival in Sipitang today.

Also present was Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman and Sipitang member of parliament Sapawi Ahmad.

In this regard, Muhyiddin said the voices should not be tolerated and stringent action would be taken against them for trying to create such a situation.

He said this was to ensure Sabah continued to stay as an important state in Malaysia and continued to enjoy progress and development in the future.

Later when opening Beaufort Umno division delegates' meeting, Muhyiddin said the efforts of irresponsible parties in bringing Sabah
out of Malaysia was unconstitutional and an act of treason.  
 
"The history of Sabah with Malaysia began in 1963. Sabah is Malaysia and not just a part of Malaysia.  
 
"These small groups which are propogating to secede Sabah from Malaysia should be stopped," he added. 

- Bernama