Abg Jo clarifies on use of ‘State’, Sarawak

KUCHING: The use of word “Sarawak” instead of “state” will be consequential only after the amendment of Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg clarified.

He said for now the word “state” can still be used in official government affairs.

“When the amendment to the constitution is done then it is consequential,” he added when asked to confirm reports and a “circular” that has gone viral in the social media.

Earlier, when asked if the report was true, he shot back: “Who make the report?”

However, when pressed on the matter, Abang Johari said the change of word from “state” to Sarawak is not now, reiterating, “After the amendment, it is consequential because we are no longer state but wilayah (territory).”

Asked if there is also a need to change the state anthem, “Ibu Pertiwiku”, since one of the lines reads “Sarawak dalam Malaysia,” instead of equal partners, he said the state anthem would remain unchanged.

According to the viralled “circular”, the Chief Minister was said to have announced that the Sarawak government had made a decision to drop the word “State” for Sarawak with immediate effect and it is now “Sarawak.”

Last Friday, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong disclosed that the federal cabinet had agreed to table the proposed amendment to Article 1(2) at the upcoming parliamentary session to make Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia equal partners.

The parliament sitting started on Monday (March 11).