S’wak urged to capitalise on ‘citizens’ movement’
KUCHING: Sarawak should work with and capitalise on the citizens’ movement initiated by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and 57 others, comprising prominent political party leaders and leaders of civil societies and human rights organisations with the signing of a ‘Citizens’ Declaration’ outlining the objectives of the movement.
Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How said Sarawakians, including Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, should capitalise on this latest wave of people’s movement to assert the state’s rights and privileges.
At a press conference attended by leaders from opposition parties and non-governmental organisations on Friday, a joint declaration read out by the former prime minister called for not only the peaceful removal of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak through constitutional and legal means, but also the repeal of all oppressive and draconic laws that violate the people’s fundamental rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, and the restoration of the integrity of all our institutions.
“This is definitely a positive development for the nation, and this is the reason that leaders of Parti Keadilan Rakyat were present with Tun Dr Mahathir in making the call. PKR was not there to support Dr Mahathir’s leadership but we certainly do not mind working with him in any cause which is for the interests of the people,” See said in a press statement yesterday.
See, who is state PKR vicechairman, said while the ruling Umno was now split between Najib’s faction and those who oppose him, it was time for Adenan to reconsider his position of throwing the full support behind Najib, who has not even allocated any federal fund to tackle the current floods in Sarawak.
“Amid this political division, Sarawak and Sabah should be the kingmaker and not lackey to any faction. With our combined number of 55 parliamentarians from these East Malaysian states, we are a critical bloc to determine the fate of the present federal government.”
See said he verily believed that the head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Adenan had been briefed by the former prime minister of this citizens’ movement when they met earlier this year.
“I am hopeful that our chief minister has conveyed to the former premier the state’s concern and demand for greater autonomy and change in the mindset of leaders of the federation for equal if not better fiscal policies to expedite development in Sarawak.”
He reiterated the position of PKR that the party did not submit themselves to any particular individual but always put the people’s interests first.
“It is time for the voice of the people be heard; that social welfare of the people, economic hardship suffered by the people and the socio-economic disparity between East and Peninsular Malaysia can no longer be ignored; that the integrity of our constitutional, legal and administrative institutions must be restored to safeguard and protect the interests and rights of all Malaysians.”