KUCHING: Negotiations for the second stage over devolution of powers from the federal government to Sarawak are still ongoing, reports the New Straits Times.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri was reported as saying a technical committee formed at the state level to deliberate on the matter had submitted a technical report over their discussions three months ago to Attorney General (AG) Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali.
The second of the third stage of the negotiations concerns the state’s rights which might have been encroached by the federal government, on state powers and constitutional matters.
Nancy said some time may be required for the AG to look into the technical report before the report is handed over to the federal-level Steering Committee.
“Apart from the Federal and State Constitutions, there are also other matters that need to be looked into by the AG since it involves state affairs.
“It is a complicated process since there are many laws involved and requires much research and analysis,” said Nancy after she handed over Deepavali goodies to 50 recipients at the Indian Association Kuching Hall here today.
She said it was an ongoing effort and the federal government has been accommodating to Sarawak.
“Thus far, we have not stumbled upon any matters that are political in nature in the negotiations,” she said, adding that 13 provisions of administrative empowerment granted by the federal government to the state last year have been exercised as agreed.
Nancy co-chairs the Steering Committee together with Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman. The committee was formed to assist talks on devolution of powers to Sarawak and Sabah.
