Sabahans and Sarawakians have differing views on Agreement

KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans and the people in Sarawakians have differing views on the failed attempt to pass the amendment to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution.

While folks in Sabah are disappointed, their neighbours in Sarawak felt the amendment was vague and would not do much to restore the state’s rights.

Sabahans feel passing the amendment would spell more funds and power which would have helped to uplift the state.

A teacher from Likas said if Sabah gets back its rights such as the return of 40% federal revenue earned from the state, it could channel funds to develop the rural areas.

“Our rural areas don’t have proper schools and healthcare. Roads are still bad,” said the teacher, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Sales executive Martha Martin said the passing of the proposed Bill in accordance to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) would have paved the way for a better tomorrow for Sabahans.

“I feel disappointed that the Bill failed to go through. Without a start to getting our rights restored under MA63, we in Sabah will forever be the minorities and lose out in terms of economic development,” she said.

Office manager Roger Daniel said the passing of the Bill would have seen Sabah and Sarawak get to be equal partners with Peninsular Malaysia.

“Our rights such as oil royalty and revenue will be fulfilled as per MA63. This also means a better future for both Sabah and Sarawak. We need the funds for our people. How can there be imbalanced developments and treatment between east and west Malaysia?” he asked.

In Sibu, executive Grace Mo said the proposed amendment was vague.

“There is no sincerity at all on the part of the Pakatan Harapan government.

“The previous Barisan Nasional government did nothing. Now Pakatan tried to amend the Constitution in vague terms and resorted to changing the wording in Article 1(2),” she said.

We need the funds for for our people, our children.

Roger Daniel