KUCHING, Aug 11: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii expressed disappointment over the Perikatan Nasional government’s decision to shelve the formation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 parliamentary select committee and the tabling of the final report from Special Cabinet Committee MA63.
He said that this was clearly against the spirit of accountability and transparency, especially in reference to something so important such as Sarawakians’ rights under MA63.
“This gives the impression that the PN government has everything to hide and do not intend to implement the 17 out of 21 things that was agreed before. While I understand those four other issues have not been resolved, (but) there is no reason the other things that have been agreed cannot be revealed to the public.
“On top of that, this select committee was not just an issue that was fought by the previous Pakatan Harapan (PH) government, but also the MPs especially from GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) when they were in the opposition.
“Now that they are in the government with Umno and PAS, suddenly they changed their stand and now say that there is no need for such parliamentary committee,” said Dr Yii in a statement today.
He said the Parliamentary Committee was important because it would empower the parliament as well as the members of parliament to make sure what was agreed under the Special Cabinet Committee would be properly implemented according to the scheduled timeline.
“What is even more disappointing is how the Deputy Minister of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs did not really answer all the pertinent questions that was raised and only claims that she is following the orders of the executive.”
“This was the reason we lost our rights under the previous Barisan Nasional government in the first place when they only follow along instructions from above.”
On Petroleum Development Act 1974, Dr Yii also accused GPS leaders for being vocal in Sarawak but failed to make a stand at federal level.
“That is why I urge the current PN government to first and foremost allow the report by the Special Cabinet Committee on MA63 to be tabled in parliament for all to debate and then allow the formation of the Parliament Select Committee to make sure there is a bipartisan parliament monitoring of the implementation of it based on the agreed timeline.
“Let us not repeat the mistake in 1974 and 1976 where our rights was surrendered purely due to ‘following instructions’ without the consultation of the people of Sabah and Sarawak that feels the effects of that decision,” said Dr Yii.—DayakDaily
