Two terms as TYT enough, says PBS

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has voiced concern over speculation that the special State Assembly sitting tomorrow, Dec 13, will discuss a proposed amendment to the state constitution to extend the term of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

“The state assembly is scheduled to convene a special sitting on December 13. The speculation is that the sitting is to consider amending the state constitution to extend the term of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

“The Yang di-Pertua Negeri has already served two terms, the limit imposed by law, and nothing will be served by having the same candidate in office,” opined PBS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

“What’s wrong with the existing provision? Will extending the term of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri do any extra good for the people?” he asked, adding that constitutional amendments must always serve to benefit the people and not to benefit just certain parties only.

Joniston said two terms were more than sufficient, giving an opportunity to other distinguished leaders and personalities to be Head of State and contribute to the development of Sabah.

“Even the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong’s term is subject to one term, which has been upheld by the Federal Constitution. There appears to be a hidden agenda behind the alleged proposed amendments to the constitution,” he claimed.

“In fact, if the Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s term is not limited by law, the office will emerge as a de facto sultanship of sorts as in the sultanates in Malaya, he said.

“We should take note of sentiments on the ground in Sabah. Hopefully, the Yang DiPertuan Agong would not go along with any extension of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s term.

“Again, any extension of the term would definitely be seen as an aberration by other stakeholders, that is, the other states with Yang di-Pertua Negeri, among others.