‘Composition of representatives based on needs’
KUALA LUMPUR: The composition of members appointed to the Steering Committee formed to restore the rights of Sabah and Sarawak as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was made after deliberation with many quarters, including leaders from the two states, before it was approved by the cabinet.
Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali said another round of discussion was needed if there was a need to review the composition of leaders and office bearers sitting in the committee.
In his response to the call by Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg for more representatives from the two Bornean states as panel members, Azmin said the government had taken into consideration the requirements and needs with regard to the issues surrounding MA63 before deciding on the composition of members in the committee.
“Appointment of representatives (from Sabah and Sarawak sitting in the committee) depends on needs and discussion.
“It is imperative to have representatives from Sabah and Sarawak to sit in the committee since matters to restore the rights of both states are a serious matter.
“Having said that, the number of representatives is subject to the requirement, needs and discussion among all parties,” the PKR deputy president said when met at the e-voting centre for the Gombak PKR branch in Sungai Tua here yesterday.
It was reported that Abang Johari, who is the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president, expressed his concern about the lack of balance in the composition of members sitting in the committee.
He reckoned that majority of members in the committee should be from Sabah and Sarawak since they were well versed and understood better the wellbeing of people in these states.
The committee was initiated by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad to realise the provisions enshrined in MA63. Dr Mahathir, subsequently, was appointed as the chairman of the committee.
Apart from Azmin, other federal ministers sitting in the committee included Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah.
Leaders from Sabah and Sarawak appointed to the committee included Abang Johari, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong, Works Minister Baru Bian, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Darell Leiking.
“I believe this committee can give new confidence to the people of Sabah and Sarawak.”