By Nigel Edgar
KUCHING, April 21: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) parliamentary chief whip Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof expressed content with the setting up of the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“We’ve gotten a statement from (de facto Law Minister) Datuk Liew Vui Keong on this matter, more or less we are happy with it,” he told reporters after the Persatuan Kontraktor Melayu Malaysia (PKMM) Sarawak 20th annual general meeting dinner here on Saturday evening.
When asked on what inspired the federal government to make such a decision, Fadillah said it had been mentioned by several Pakatan Harapan lawmakers during their winding-up speeches in the last parliamentary sitting.
“We did not agree to support the bill (to amend Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution) but we prefer that this be referred to the PSC,” he said, while adding that Putrajaya will appoint the committee members.
Liew told reporters in Sandakan, Sabah, yesterday that the committee would involve selected MPs to complement the Special Cabinet Steering Committee for MA63.
“We (federal government) realised that a committee involving MPs is necessary to ensure the successful implementation of MA63. The PSC chairman will then be invited to become a permanent member of the Special Cabinet Steering Committee to contribute towards the implementation of MA63,” he said.
Liew also expressed his gratitude to the Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN) when the assembly unanimously approved an extraordinary motion to support the amendment of Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution on Thursday (April 18).
He expressed hope that the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly would follow the move in its next session.
“I’m confident that the Sarawak DUN will take the similar step (to support the amendment). I will also meet with Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to explain further on the proposed amendments to the Federal Constitution,” he said. — DayakDaily
