By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 19: Negotiations to restore one-third parliamentary seats to Sarawak and Sabah are only a matter of formality, says Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Dato Ibrahim Baki.
Speaking at the PBB Satok Zone 3 Aidilfitri gathering at a hotel here on Friday (April 18), he said this is because the claim by the two regions is already a constitutional safeguard provided through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Inter-Government Committee (IGC) Report 1962.
The Satok representative explained that prior to Malaysia’s formation, the first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, pledged that one-third of Parliament’s representation would be given to Sarawak and Sabah.
He said this was a safeguard in the constitution whereby laws cannot be passed without the input of the two Bornean States.
“When Singapore left the federation, that safeguard must be maintained. Therefore, there is no issue of negotiating (whether we can get the seats); there is nothing to negotiate, as it is a mandatory constitutional safeguard.
“It must be given to us (Sarawak and Sabah), and we must claim our right. Negotiations are a matter of formality or process. What has been enshrined (in MA63 and IGC) must be implemented,” he said.
Ibrahim, who is also the Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy and Petros), said that the restoration of Sarawak rights is a cornerstone of PBB’s struggle, which he vowed to uphold with his newly elevated position within the party.
“With greater position comes bigger responsibilities. I am confident that I can shoulder the responsibilities given with your support, the people in PBB Satok.
“In PBB Satok, we work as a team and complete our struggle, particularly in the fight for Sarawak rights, which have been eroded, whether intentionally or unintentionally,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim also said the Satok constituency will see an influx of projects—among which is the waterfront from Bintangor which will be extended to Kampung Kudei Lama.
He said that a meeting on the project had been called and was hopeful that work would commence by the end of the year.
As for Kampung Kudei Baru, he said that a retaining wall project worth RM1 million has been approved to address the spike in crocodile encroachment in the area.
In addition, Ibrahim said that RM1.7 million has been approved for a new surau for Kudei Baru Ulu.
“The water pipes have also been upgraded to bigger pipes; the roads have been improved, and an arch has been erected.
“In terms of development, we will be busy as we are in the midst of implementing not only major projects but also minor projects as well,” he said.
Ibrahim’s wife, Datin Noor Akmar Hamdan; Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) Mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman; political secretary to the Premier, Abdul Samat Gany; political secretary to the deputy prime minister, Irwan Zulkarnain Hasbie; and organising chairperson Sarbini Abang, who is also PBB Satok secretary, were also present. — DayakDaily
