By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 18: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii hopes opposition lawmakers will put aside politics and support the new Bill to amend Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution when it is re-tabled in Parliament in March 2020.
“I welcome the move and fully support the re-tabling of the proposed amendment to restore the rightful status of Sarawak and Sabah in the federation.
“This is not a partisan issue but transpartisan where we (federal government) want to correct what was made wrong in 1976 to restore Sarawak and Sabah to their rightful status. I hope it will get through this time for the good of Sarawak and Sabah,” he told reporters today.
Yii highlighted this when visiting Chung Hua Middle School (CHMS) No. 1 to present donations to help the school following a fire early this month which damaged a block of building.
He pointed out that the intention to re-table the bill reiterated the federal government’s utmost sincerity as well as the recognition and focus given to the special position of Sarawak and Sabah in the federation.
“As we all know, the first tabling of the bill in April this year was not successful due to the opposition from the opposition.
“But the fact that the government still intend to re-table the new proposed amendment after discussions within the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Steering Committee showed that we want to make sure the restoration of what’s rightfully for Sarawak and Sabah regardless of what happened in the past,” he said.
When asked about the details of the new bill, Yii however refused to divulge the details as it was stilll under discussion but noted that certain matters have been principally agreed.
Yii also noted that 17 out of the 21 issues that were raised have been resolved, leaving four main topics under heavy discussions between the Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the Chief Ministers of Sarawak and Sabah, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
“I believe that the new proposed bill will be able to address and correct historical as well as economic grievances.
“I hope other issues will also be included while other grievances can be addressed individually to see Sarawak and Sabah has equitable share in the prosperity of our country,” he added.
Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong were present. — DayakDaily
