'Political suicide' not to support move to restore equal status
KOTA KINABALU: The best way to gauge the support from the opposition is to table the necessary constitutional amendment in the Dewan Rakyat, preferably during this coming October sitting.
Making an assumption that the opposition won’t support, would only create suspicion that the government of the day is not serious in getting it done. For example, a convenient excuse not to proceed giving Sabah and Sarawak their rightful place in the Federation, said Karanaan assemblyman Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.
“I’m confident that all Sabah and Sarawak members of parliament from both sides of the political divide will vote for the amendment, it would be nothing short of political suicide for any MP from the two states not to support the amendment,” the former tourism, culture and environment minister pointed out.
Masidi was responding to a statement made by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that the opposition may not support the move to restore equal partner status to Sabah and Sarawak.
Mahathir, who was on his first visit to Sabah after the 14th General Election to celebrate Malaysia Day, also said that the opposition’s support was needed to make up the necessary two-thirds majority before any amendment made.
Masidi also said that he is confident that MPs from Umno and PAS in Peninsular will support the amendment.
“In a tight election, any party or parties from the Peninsular need the support of East Malaysian MPs to form the government of the day,” he said, adding that support from Sabah and Sarawak determines who takes over the Federal Government.
“Sabahans and Sarawakians are closely watching the reaction of Peninsular MPs to the proposal to return the rights of the two states as stipulated in the MA63 and failure to get it done could result in another political realignment in GE15. This won’t be good for the country,” Masidi added.