DAP reiterates call for constitutional amendment to restore Sabah’s rights

KOTA KINABALU: DAP Sabah has repeated its call to the BN government to table an amendment to the Federal Constitution to restore Sabah's rights accorded in Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) at the next parliamentary sitting in March, before the coming 14th general election (GE14).

Its secretary, Chan Foong Hin said the proposed constitutional amendment could be a new point in addition to the recent “positive” meeting on Sabah's rights under the MA63 between MySabah group and the Attorney General”s Chamber.

Among the focus of the meeting was on the restoration of the special rights of the state, including the return of Sabah's 40% revenue entitlement.

Chan said it was reported that the chambers would now look into the legal aspects of the Sabah's rights and the results of which would be handed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for further action.

“There are less hassles for constitutional amendment which only needs to seek for the support among the Members of Parliament. Instead of waiting for the AG Chambers' studies on the said legal aspects for the issues such as 40% revenue entitlement, why not the ruling party just tables a motion to pass through those constitutional amendments which would better reflect our rights in accordance with the MA63?”

The Sri Tanjong Assemblyman spoke to the media after he joined in the Pakatan Harapan (comprising DAP and PKR) walkabout program in Donggongon yesterday morning.

He said the proposed amendments to the Federal Constitution could be tabled as the Private Member's Bill also if the Sabah BN backbenchers want to take the lead.

It should include: Amending Article 1 (2) to reflect the true spirit equal partners between Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak; amending Article 160 (2) to add the definition of Malaysia Day, September 16, 1963; and amending Article 160 (2) so that the definition of “Federal” and its formation is based on the 1963 Malaysia Agreement.

“The proposed amendment is not new. DAP Sabah chairman cum Sandakan MP Stephen Wong had proposed his private member's bill twice in 2016 but rejected by our fellow Sabahan (Tan Sri) Pandikar Amin, Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat.”

According to Chan, the tabling of consitutional amendment is the best way for BN to show its commitment to the aspiration of the people of Sabah.

“There is no need for BN Sabah to promise to include the championing for Sabah's rights under MA63 in Sabah BN”s manifesto for the coming GE14. They should just do it. The power is on their hands.”