KUCHING, April 10: Sarawak for Sarawakians (S4S) supports Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)’s decision not to amend Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution until the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is properly recognised.
Its spokesperson, Chan Chee Hiong, opined that the federal government was not sensitive to the interests and aspirations of the people of Sarawak, particularly in relation to the MA63.
“They (the federal government) wanted to rush the bill without referring to the MA63, in which discussions are still ongoing within the committees involved,” he said in a statement today.
“Why did they rush to do the second reading (of the Bill) when there was still no outcome? Furthermore, both Sarawak and Sabah governments were not notified in advance (on Bill’s content).”
Chan agreed that the content of the Bill and its implications must be studied and considered carefully, so it was only right that GPS refused to support the Bill.
“We are behind the state government on their stand to only support the amendment if it benefits Sarawakians and with reference to MA63.
“No matter what, we want the state government to prioritise our rights. And as long they fight for us, we will always be behind them. If not, they will be a major disappointment to us.”
Chan echoed Batang Sadong MP Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri’s statement that GPS was not against amending Article 1(2) but wanted the technical committee to finalise the MA63 first.
GPS chief whip Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, meanwhile, called for the provisions of the MA63 be included in the amendment Bill so it would carry the force of law. — DayakDaily
