By Karen Bong and Nancy Nais
KUALA LUMPUR, April 8: The meeting on the Bill to amend Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong in Parliament was intended for Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak and Sabah lawmakers only.
This was clarified by PH Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen when met at Parliament today.
It was reported by a local daily in Sarawak today that all 222 MPs were expected at a meeting with Liew on the proposed amendment at 2.30pm.
The report also stated that before the meeting, a separate meeting with the minister was scheduled for 12.30pm, specifically for PH leaders from Sabah and Sarawak.
The 12.30pm meeting was said to be for a discussion to, hopefully, reach a consensus on the Bill, which was tabled for first reading on April 4.
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chief whip Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Santubong MP Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar both told DayakDaily that the GPS lawmakers were not informed or aware of the meeting.
Fadillah also dismissed claims by Pelawan assemblyman David Wong, in his social media post, that GPS lawmakers had refused to attend the meeting and luncheon.
“Much earlier, there was a dinner with Datuk Liew in Kuching, which I did attend,” he explained.
“Before the tabling of the Bill, a dinner was called to discuss, but we are of the opinion that all matters relating to restoring Sarawak and Sabah status and Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are serious and that a proper meeting was more appropriate,” he said.
Fadillah, who is also Petra Jaya MP, added that he had also advised PH not to proceed with tabling the proposed amendment Bill as GPS disagreed with the content laid out in the Bill.
“So, we (GPS), suggested a proper consultation to further discuss this matter so as to decide on the wording and draft of the Bill before it is tabled. But it seemed they (PH) proceeded with tabling the Bill,” he said.
He emphasised that GPS would support the Bill only if it was favourable and in the interests of Sarawak.
The amendment Bill is expected to be tabled for second reading in Parliament tomorrow. — DayakDaily
