GPS MPs won’t support Bill

KUALA LUMPUR: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is adamant that all its MPs will not support the Bill to amend Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution at its second reading by the Prime Minister expected today.

GPS chief whip in Parliament Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof insisted that the proposed amendment does not reflect the aspiration of Sarawakians and what GPS wants is a holistic amendment to the Federal Constitution.

Met in Parliament yesterday, the Petra Jaya MP said they maintained their stance that the amendment Bill should first be referred to a Special Parliamentary Committee, then discussed with Sabah and Sarawak for feedback before being tabled in the House.

Fadillah noted that Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Chong Chieng Jen kept on emphasising that the proposed amendment was just the first step.

“Then do it right the first time and all the time. Do not make the same mistake as before,” said the PBB heavyweight.

Fadillah asserted that way back in 1963, three countries; namely the Federation of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak, came together to form a new country called Malaysia.

He said the proposed amendment failed to reflect this despite what the federal government of the day had said.

“We need to look at it holistically. If we are equal partners, we need to get back our rights provided under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

“So we suggest to put the proposed amendment on hold, either set up a Special Parliamentary Committee to study it or let the Steering Committee and Technical Committee carry on their discussions and arrive at consensus,” he added.

As such, Fadillah said GPS MPs will table a verbal motion today to seek withdrawal of the amendment Bill in Parliament.

According to him, the verbal motion can be put forward under Standing Order 54 for the amendment Bill to be withdrawn.

“Hopefully we will get the support of all parties,” he said, adding that the motion was most likely to be tabled after the question-and-answer session in the morning.