By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 15: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will reinstate Sarawak’s rights as enshrined in Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through proper legal procedures.
GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg gave this assurance when welcoming the amendments related to MA63 to the Federal Constitution which was unanimously passed in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
“This is the Sarawak spirit and I believe our counterparts in Sabah will share the same pride.
“I am thankful as this demonstrates that the rule of law is upheld and preserved.
“This is one of GPS’ struggles to protect the interests of Sarawak and its people,” he told reporters after presenting Bumiputera Communal Reserve Gazette Certificates for Section 6 and land titles under Section 18 of the Land Code in Krian, Saratok today.
Abang Johari gave special mention to the amendment to Clause 2 of Article 160 of the Federal Constitution which inserted a new definition to “the Federation” which restored the status of Sarawak and Sabah as equal partners to Peninsular Malaysia.
With the recognition of MA63 in the Federal Constitution, he added, now Sarawak can refer to all the agreements made in 1963 in detail including those spelt out in the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) report, which is the in-depth study of the Cobbold Commission Report on the demands of Sabah and Sarawak.
“I want to express my sincere thanks to all MPs who have made this possible,” he added.
Meanwhile, the passing of the amendment bill will now see MA63 placed on an equal footing with the Federal Agreement 1948 and Federal Agreement 1957 as it details the stage of the formation and the direction of Malaysia from the Federation of Malaya 1948 and to the direction of the Federation of Malaya 1957 when the Federal Constitution was adopted in 1957.
Apart from the status of Sarawak and Sabah, the Bill also aimed at giving new definition to “Malaysia Day” and amend Article 161A by replacing Clause 6 (a) to say that in regard to Sarawak, the indigenous races of Sarawak are as stated in State law; and also to remove Clause 7. — DayakDaily
