Sapa holds peaceful gathering at Padang Merdeka
KUCHING: A peaceful gathering was held at Padang Merdeka yesterday to demand the Sarawak government move a motion to debate the amendment of Article 1( 2) of the Federal Constitution at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly ( DUN) sitting which starts today (April 29).
Held from 4pm to 6pm, the gathering drew about 100 supporters who held various banners and posters to emphasise their demands to curious onlookers and passing motorists.
Besides listening to talks, the supporters also took part in a tug- of-war competition which was judged by Sarawak Association for People’s Aspiration ( Sapa) publicity and information chief Peter John Jaban.
According to Sapa, they are echoing the voices of many Sarawakians who want politicians to stop blaming each other, unite as a Sarawakian and seek solution to the issue relating to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 ( MA63).
Among the key issues being mentioned at the gathering is for the DUN to review and come up with solutions to benefit the future generations - especially Sarawakians.
The key issues are: Full autonomy for JPN ( National Registration Department) and the Petroleum Development Act 1974 which it said was made while Malaysia was under a ‘state of emergency’.
Also being discussed at the gathering is the Territorial Sea Act 2012 and admission of new territories into the federation.
Other issues being voiced out is the need to review the census carried out by the United Nations ( UN) on Sarawakians’ view in joining the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.
The final issue mentioned is for DUN Sarawak to propose the corrected version of Federal Constitution with reference to MA63; and to officially recognise that Sarawak is a country (negara) and not a state (negeri).