KUCHING, Oct 23: Sarawak has the autonomy to be governed by Sarawak-based parties under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as based on MA63, everything was spelt out especially regarding Sarawak’s rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, according to political observer Datuk Peter Minos.
“But now what do we hear and see? What do we witness? We are seeing that Malaya though Malaya-based Pakatan Harapan parties is repeatedly saying and in fact trying to topple Sarawak-based Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) which is representing Sarawak. It is Malaya trying to take over Sarawak,” according to Peter in a statement issued here today.
He reiterated that it would be against the terms and spirit of MA63 if PH takes over Sarawak,
“It is against the wishes and will of all Sarawakians. It is not acceptable that Malaya through PH is taking over Sarawak. Not acceptable at all. (Likewise), Sarawak has no interest in taking over Malaya. Even the very thought of it is not acceptable. More so because Sarawak is the much weaker and smaller partner to Malaya in terms of population and economic standing.
“So if, I say if, PH wins in the coming state election and takes over Sarawak, the whole idea and spirit of Malaysia is directly undermined and possibly in trouble. Malaya through PH must not take over Sarawak because its partnership solemnly made in 1963 will be broken and may see big problems,” Peter emphasised.
He hoped that the PH government will honour the MA63 and continue to grant Sarawak autonomy.
“We fully agree with Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing that if PH wins in the upcoming state election, Sarawak will lose all the way. That goes without saying. Sarawak’s current powers and rights over immigration, land, forestry, water and many other things may or will be in left (hanging) in the balance and most likely be in jeopardy if PH wins.”
Peter, who is a former PBB deputy information chief pointed out that under MA63, three sovereign nations, namely Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah created the federation of Malaysia (Singapore later left in 1965).
“But Malaysia was created on the clear conditions that Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah each retained and be given some special rights and powers upon themselves.
“Sarawak was given the rights and powers over immigration, land, forests, oil and gas and other resources and impliedly, over its customs and traditions, language, religious beliefs and such like. Malaya also kept intact its rights over many things like the sultanate system, traditions, customs and also over land, forestry, resources and so on. The same goes with Sabah,” he added. — DayakDaily
