By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, April 13: Tan Sri Dr James Masing warned the state against warming up to the so-called “One Malaysia” concept suggested by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, as the implication could see the removal for use of passports to enter Sarawak.
The deputy chief minister said this predicament was further expounded by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Mahathir, who said in his debate in Parliament, that it was ridiculous for Peninsular Malaysians to use passports when travelling to Sarawak.
“Once the immigration flood gate is opened, Sarawak will be inundated by Malayan professionals who will not require work permits to operate in Sarawak and our people will suffer. That is why our immigration autonomy was stipulated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“Therefore, it is of prime importance that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) must control the State Legislative Assembly. That would be our last stand against Pakatan Harapan’s encroachment to our land and resources,” said Masing at a gathering at Rumah Greman in Nanga Kabah, Ngemah, today.
At the function, Kanowit MP Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong briefed the audience on what transpired during the tabling and en bloc voting of the Bill to Amend Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution in Parliament on April 9.
“If it was not done in a hurry and details were properly discussed, GPS would have supported the bill,” they said.
Some 1,000 people from all over Ngemah attended the function. Masing and Ngemah Assemblyman Alexander Vincent announced a minor rural project (MRP) grant allocation of RM138,000 for the 28-door longhouse folk.
Masing, who is also Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president, advised all the party lawmakers to work extra hard to get renominated for the upcoming state election that must be held by 2021.
“All of the 11 assemblymen from PRS including Baleh must work hard in order to be worthy of re-nomination,” said Masing, who is also the Baleh assemblyman.
Apart from Baleh and Ngemah, other PRS state seats are Balai Ringin, Bukit Begunan, Batang Ai, Kakus, Tamin, Samalaju, Pelagus, Murum and Belaga. — DayakDaily
