By Chris Bishop
KUCHING, Oct 21:Â Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing reminds that Sarawak and Sabah are at the mercy of Peninsular Malaysia should the latter decides to pass law unfavourable to the two Borneon States.
There are 222 members of parliament who decide on the laws of Malaysia. Sarawak has 31 parliamentary seats, Sabah, 25 while Peninsular Malaysian states take up the rest of 166 seats which made up to be more than two-thirds majority.
“In order for parliament to pass laws, it requires two-thirds of our MPs, which is 148 MPs. Please be reminded that Malaya has 166 MPs. They have more than what is required to pass or amend any laws of this country.Â
“Even if Sabah and Sarawak get together and oppose any legislation tabled in parliament, we will fail because Sabah and Sarawak have less than one-third of Malaysia’s MPs.
“Malayan MPs can pass any laws without Sabah and Sarawak support if all Malayan-based parties get together for their common interest,” explained Masing who is Deputy Chief Minister during PRS’ 15th Anniversary Dinner at a local restaurant here today.
He pointed out that for their own interests, Peninsular Malaysian MPs have been doing that.
“In 2012, the government in Putrajaya decided to reduce the size of Sarawak’s territory by reducing the size of our sea from 200 km from the Sarawak shores to only 3 km.Â
“This effectively would have taken away our oil and petroleum money from our grasp. In a stroke a pen we would have lost millions of our priced assets,” he said.
However, the forefathers of Sarawak foresaw this might happen and passed other laws to safeguard Sarawak’s interests.
“The laws passed more than half a century ago will ensure, among others, that federal parliament, may pass the laws reducing the size of our territory, but without the consent of our DUN (Dewan Undangan Negeri or Sarawak Legislative Assembly), that law will be null and void.
“Thus the Territorial Sea Act passed by parliament in 2012 is null and void as far as Sarawak is concerned. We still keep our oil and gas,” said Masing. — DayakDaily
