KUCHING, Aug 1: Local political parties which have a vision to see Sarawak becomes an independent nation, should focus on achieving this vision according to the strategies they think best, says Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan.
In a statement, he disclosed that lately he had been asked on the possibility of PBK working with other parties, in the quest for independence for Sarawak.
“There are a few strategies to achieve this but not all local parties and individuals share the same strategies. Independence by way of referendum proposed by some leaders in Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) is not conducive to our political environment. SUPP has even raised in a recent sitting in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly for a referendum law to be passed,” Voon said, as an example, opining that a referendum would limit Sarawakians to staying with Malaya perhaps for another one or two hundred years to come.
He opined that this is because Sarawakians do not have the political maturity to decide on this matter yet, while political awareness of Sarawak’s rights is still wanting.
Voon also highlighted there is presently no legislation allowing for a referendum, so why should Sarawakians go to the process of a referendum?
“Referendum is a legitimate process but will not necessarily lead us to our desired goal. Scotland failed in its quest for independence and now is seeking the UK to allow them to have another opportunity for a referendum.”
In the matter of independence, PBK would only consider working with individuals and local political parties which share its strategies, he stated.
“As part of its strategies, PBK may follow Singapore’s strategy to exit. That is, if negotiations fails to settle all political and economic differences, we should not hold further talks after the time frame has been given but to declare independence straightaway,” Voon opined.
He added that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government should have taken the opportunity to exit on April 9 this year when negotiations failed concerning amending Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution.
Another possibly strategy is to seek the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on certain legal questions inclusive of whether or not the Malaysia Agreement 1963 is valid.
“If not, Malaysia should be dissolved and Sarawak should be free to decide her own destiny,” he said. — DayakDaily
