Pandikar’s dare on Abang Johari ‘strange and shocking’ — Abdullah

KUCHING: The open challenge made by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia to debate the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has been described as strange and shocking.

Assistant Minister of Corporate Affairs Abdullah Saidol said on behalf of Sarawakians, he would dare to say they opposed and felt offended by such a remark made by Pandikar who did not seem to respect the position of Abang Johari as the state’s chief minister.

“Pandikar should have not been too quick to make such shallow assumption as if we in Sarawak are stupid and careless in our knowledge and research on MA63. The conclusion I can make from all these, is that Pandikar came up with such statement to ensure his own political survival.

“And this showed that his stance, I would assume, is politically immoral and insecure,” said Abdullah, who is also Chief Political Secretary to the Chief Minister.

Pandikar had told reporters at Parliament in Kuala Lumpur yesterday that he was willing to debate with Abang Johari on the MA63, saying he was willing to debate with anyone who disagreed with him.

“Even the Sarawak Chief Minister, any time, in front of you (media), anytime,” he had reportedly said.

“If he disagrees with me 10 times, I disagree with him 100 times,” said Pandikar, a Sabahan, according to Malay Mail Online.

Pandikar, in his recent book ‘Berpisah Tiada, reportedly stated that the MA63 was not legally binding.

Abang Johari, on the other hand, had stressed in recent news reports on the importance of the MA63.

Abdullah said such a statement made by Pandikar was shocking and absurd, because it came from a Sabahan who regarded the MA63 as irrelevant.

“Pandikar confidently mentioned that the rights of Sabah and Sarawak were not eroded since the formation of Malaysia. Indirectly, this meant that Pandikar also regarded the position of Sabah, Sarawak and other states in Malaysia as being equally the same (instead of three different regions) when Malaysia was formed and under the federal constitution.