By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Nov 27: Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim has launched a blistering critique against former law minister Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim over his recent controversial remarks, questioning whether the comments constitute sedition and urging the Federal government to act immediately.
In a fervent statement during his debate at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today, Hamzah said authorities should not wait for a police report before acknowledging that an offence has occurred.
“We don’t need to wait for a police report to acknowledge that something breaks the law. Is our legal system like that? It is already clear that Zaid’s actions violate the law,” said Hamzah.
He asserted that Zaid’s statements were crafted to incite resentment in Peninsular Malaysia against Sarawak, particularly among those who do not fully understand the spirit and provisions of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“We have laws: the Sedition Act, and we have regulations. We can see that this matter is a form of sentiment that incites people in Peninsular Malaysia who do not understand MA63.
“When they don’t understand MA63, they become easily misled, and they begin to see Sarawak today as someone who demands benefits because the political situation favours GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak),” said Hamzah.
Hamzah argued that such sentiments foster misunderstanding and hostility towards Sarawak, suggesting that West Malaysians may wrongly perceive Sarawakians as taking advantage, when in fact Sarawak is merely asserting what it is entitled to.
“We are simply talking about our rights, ‘not more, not less’, and the entitlements and outcomes of the agreement,” he clarified.
The Stakan representative then drew a sharp comparison to Zaid’s alleged transgressions, questioning the Federal government’s hesitation to enforce the law.
“We have that (Sedition) Act. Why didn’t we use the Act, why don’t we implement it, if I may say, to arrest that Zaid first?” questioned Hamzah.
He warned that if Zaid’s remarks, including those about leaving Malaysia or the Federal government, are considered criminal, then allowing such statements to go unpunished sets a dangerous precedent.
“If such an offence is allowed today, then what difference is there between that and committing robbery tomorrow?”
While condemning Zaid’s actions, Hamzah emphasised that GPS leaders remain united in their loyalty to Malaysia.
He also addressed a question raised by Tanjong Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan: “Is Peninsular Malaysia afraid of a more advanced, developing Sarawak, and afraid that we will ask for more?”
Hamzah rejected the suggestion of fear, instead highlighting the historical failure to comply with MA63. He noted that for the past 50 years, the Federal government had not adhered to the agreement’s requirement for a review every five to ten years.
The real fear, he argued, only emerged when the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem (Tok Nan) courageously raised the MA63 issue.
“That is what became the real fear. This fear occurs when the matter that should have been raised is raised, when the facts are established, that is what is feared. Because a fact is a fact, it cannot be changed,” Hamzah said.
He concluded his remarks by noting that while Sarawakians are kind, soft-spoken, and good-natured, they should not be underestimated or mistreated.
“Jangan disangka air tenang tiada buaya (Don’t think that a quiet person is cowardly or stupid),” he said. — DayakDaily
