By Karen Bong and Nancy Nais
KUALA LUMPUR, April 8: Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen has again advised Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to put their political interest aside, prioritise the interest of Sarawak and support the Bill to amend Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution.
He reckoned GPS was reluctant to support the Bill as the passing of the amendment would mean the ruling coalition would have less political capital to play with.
“But at this crucial time, with less than 24 hours to go (before the tabling of the amendment Bill for second reading tomorrow), the position of Sarawak hinges on this amendment,” he told reporters when met at Parliament today.
Chong, who is also Stampin MP and Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, however, reminded that this was an important Bill, where the status of Sarawak and Sabah would be restored to its original position in the Federal Constitution.
“Whatever you like, if it goes through, all the states in the country will have the same structure as when we formed Malaysia (in 1963),” he said.
Probe on the changes in wording in the amendment Bill, Chong refused to divulge but emphasised that the Bill was important to restore the constitutional status of Sabah and Sarawak.
“You may have other political interests in mind, such as political survival, but it is important that the interest of the state be put as first priority,” he concluded.
The amendment Bill is expected to be tabled for second reading in Parliament tomorrow, where it will then be discussed and debated.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong revealed today that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government had no issue with improving the wording in the proposed amendment to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution to its original position as accorded in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). — DayakDaily
