KUCHING, Dec 1: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia has come under fire from his state Barisan Nasional (BN) counterparts for his comment that the Malaysia Agreement (MA63) was not important.
In a press statement today, state Barisan Nasional (BN) Youth chairman and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth chief Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof rebuked Pandikar Amin for challenging Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to a debate on MA63.
“As a native of Sabah, the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, has the right to present his personal views, but he has no need to judge and teach the people of Sarawak, what is more challenge for the Chief Minister of Sarawak to a debate on MA63. Furthermore, he is not an individual accredited or mandated by YAB Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) to resolve this matter.”
Fadillah pointed out that Abang Johari’s stand on MA63 is based on the wishes and interests of the people of Sarawak, as well as also based on research, Constitution fundamentals, the Malaysian legislation and the spirit behind the formation of Malaysia through MA63.
He added that Najib had also agreed to look into MA63 and agreed to form a joint committee to discuss further on this matter.
“This is a positive development and we welcome the recommendation by YAB Prime Minister to bring this matter to the negotiating table.”
He said BN Youth and all Sarawakians have the same view as Abang Johari and have always supported his efforts in negotiations to restore Sarawak’s rights as embodied in the spirit of Malaysia’s formation through MA63.
“We believe in the spirit of Barisan Nasional this matter will be solved jointly by the leadership of YAB Sarawak Chief Minister with YAB Prime Minister,” he concluded.
