We need to see proposed amendment first – Ongkili

KOTA KINABALU: There have been much excitement over the Federal Government’s decision to amend the Article 1 (2) of the Federal Constitution that could restore the status of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners with Peninsular Malaysia.

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Dr. Maximus Ongkili, while welcoming the development, said it was too early to shout for joy, especially since they have yet to see the content of the proposed amendment.

“We cannot simply jump on the bandwagon and clap our hands in joy. This matter was also discussed under the previous government’s administration….. there have been discussion on restoring the status of both East Malaysia states.

“PBS is grateful that the current government has decided to continue the work, but we need to see what the proposals are before deciding on the matter. Any amendments made must be in accordance with that written in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he stressed.

Ongkili said he is of the view that such an important matter should also be first tabled in the state assemblies, both Sabah and Sarawak, to allow its lawmakers to present their views, debate and analyse on the future impacts on the two states in the federation.

“The views of Sabah and Sarawak lawmakers matter, especially in an issue that affects the two states,” he said.

Ongkili said, he is also excited to debate on the bill when it is tabled in Parliament, adding that the issue is close to his heart, stressing that it has been part and parcel of PBS’ core struggles.

“For PBS, we have been raising this (matter) for decades, and believe that the definition of federation, in contrary to the aspiration and request of founding fathers, that Sabah and Sarawak, are separate entities.

“We do not agree that Sabah and Sarawak are an autonomous region, it should not be joined under one region, it has to be separated.”