MPs urged to prioritise Sarawak in second reading

KUCHING: Sarawak MPs from both political divides are urged to put Sarawak's best interests at heart come the second reading of the Bill for the proposed amendment to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution.

Batang Sadong MP Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said it was not the time for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) MPs to quarrel or blame each other, but instead an opportunity to work together to ensure Sarawak's and Sabah's status as equal founding partners of the Federation of Malaysia is restored.

At the same time, she also called on the federal government to defer the proposed amendment to allow for more detailed discussions to be carried out.

"It's about what you (PH) have to do for the state. It's not that we (GPS) don't agree with restoring the status of Sarawak and Sabah, but please defer it. What we want is for this matter to be brought to a Select Committee, because when it's a Select Committee, it will be deliberated in detail.

"You see, to us, when amending that particular provision, the rest of the related legislation must also be amended. For example, Article 160, which defines 'federation'. There might be other laws as well that touch on federation, Sarawak and Sabah that may need reviewing," she said when met by The Borneo Post after flagging off the Rotary Club of Kuching Central (RCKC)'s ‘Rotary Charity Run 2019' at CityONE Megamall, here yesterday.

Nancy added that for GPS MPs, Sarawak and her interests have and always will come first.

"We want to make sure that Sarawak gets the best, so we cannot simply make decisions in a rush. Let us continue with substantive matters that are more meaningful for Sarawakians, such as the state's revenue.

"It is time to make sure that all matters relating to our eroded rights and powers are righted. For example, our special grants under Article 112(d) of the Federal Constitution to be reviewed, which has not been reviewed since 1969. That's important because that's money for Sarawak," she stressed.

The proposed Bill would be read for a second time tomorrow.