By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 23: Respect for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) must be reflected in the federal law-making process and not remain as mere speeches or policy announcements, says Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.
He said any proposed federal legislation affecting Sarawak’s constitutional rights, legislative powers or special safeguards under MA63 should involve meaningful consultation with the Sarawak government before being tabled in Parliament.
“This is not a political demand. It is a constitutional obligation arising from the very terms upon which Sarawak helped form Malaysia in 1963,” he said in a statement today.
Yap expressed full support for Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s reminder that MA63 forms the foundation of Malaysia’s formation and that Sarawak’s constitutional rights must be respected and protected.
He stressed that Sarawak’s position within the Federation is defined by the Federal Constitution and MA63, and that these constitutional guarantees must be upheld through action rather than words.
According to Yap, genuine consultation before legislation is drafted and tabled would demonstrate respect for the constitutional partnership between the federal government and Sarawak.
He said such early engagement would allow constitutional concerns to be addressed constructively, reduce the risk of unnecessary legal disputes and strengthen trust between both governments.
Yap further said elected representatives in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) have a duty to provide checks and balances, particularly on matters affecting Sarawak’s constitutional position.
He emphasised that defending Sarawak’s rights should not be seen as confrontation, but as fulfilling their constitutional responsibility.
“As the Kota Sentosa assemblyman, I will continue to provide constructive checks and balances, speak up without fear or favour, and support efforts to ensure Sarawak’s rights under MA63 are respected in both principle and practice,” he said.
Yap added that Sarawak’s rights under MA63 are constitutional rights, not privileges or concessions granted by the federal government. — DayakDaily
