Counter-proposals made by Sarawak not accorded due attention: CM
KUCHING: “Weakness” in handling was why the proposed amendment to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution in Parliament failed on Tuesday.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said while he believed Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was “serious and sincere” about restoring the rights of Sarawak and Sabah as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Law Minister’s handling of the counter-proposals made by Sarawak was far from satisfactory.
“If there had been good handling on the part of the secretariat (Law Minister VK Liew), then the wording could have been better,” he told reporters after closing the Enhancing Integrity Programme (EIP) here yesterday.
The chief minister said he had told the Law Minister that the amendment must be within the spirit of MA63.
“That one (spirit of MA63) must be clear. I think if there had been more face to face discussions I don’t think we have that problem (of a failed Bill),” he said.
He said initially everything looked “okay” for Sarawak but when “things” (recommendations) were not done as expected, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) MPs had no choice but to abstain.
“My submission was within the perimeters of the Federal Constitution and MA63, and that MA63 must be there within the amendment,” he said.
Asked if he will bring the issue if there is another steering committee meeting, Abang Johari said: “We see-lah if there is. Actually it was mishandling.”
Asked what GPS’ next step is on the issue, the chief minster answered: “Let me tell you that from my meeting with the prime minister he was very sincere and serious about bringing change and restoring our rights but to me, the weakness lies with the secretariat (Law Minister) in handling our recommendations.”
