KUCHING, Oct 6: The Bill to amend the Federal Constitution to bring certain relevant provisions in regards to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is expected to be tabled in Parliament by the end of October.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said based on the ministry’s timeline, he hoped that the first reading of the Bill can take place on Oct 26, followed by the second reading on Oct 28.
“The Attorney General’s Chamber (AGC) is reviewing the legal provisions. The ministry has started its engagement exercise to explain the matter to key stakeholders including all Members of Parliament, Sabah and Sarawak leaders as well as the Attorney Generals in the two states.
“To date, the initiative is supported by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor,” Wan Junaidi said in a statement today.
He added that meeting to officially discuss the matter with Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg will be held soon.
Depending on the success of the engagement exercise, Wan Junaidi is hopeful to have a special meeting on MA63, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Dato Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Oct 21.
“The prime minister will then present a special paper on MA63 to the members of the Cabinet on Oct 22. Based on the our tentative timeline, the AGC is scheduled to come up with the Blue Bill, which will be presented to members of Parliament, on Oct 25.
“Over the years there has been erosion of Sabah and Sarawak’s rights as stated in MA63. We hope to rectify this by amending some critical provisions in the Federal Constitution,” he added.
Wan Junaidi further said that the legislative amendments to the Federal Constitution is crucial as it would provide clarity to the position of Sabah and Sarawak as well as the people particularly the natives of both States. — DayakDaily
