MIRI: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on Monday reiterated his stand on amending Article 160(2) of the Federal Constitution as presently the interpretation the word “Federation” still refers to the federation established under the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1957.
He clarified that the state government wants the federal government to make the amendment consonant and in parallel with the terms and conditions stated in the Malaysia Agreement (MA63).
Addressing his audience here today when he launched the ‘Miri Smart City — Proof of Concept’ programme at a leading hotel here, Abang Johari stressed that the amendment as demanded is non-negotiable as Sarawak constitutional rights are contained in the MA63.
“We want the federal government to amend Article 160(2) of the Federal Constitution because we want our rights respected. We, in the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), are firm with our decision that certain things are non-negotiable because they are our rights,” he said.
“Currently, our constitution refers to the Federation of Malaya. If I’m not mistaken, the word federation is mentioned about 50 times in the constitution.
“So, if all the laws refer to this federation, then the interpretation means that they all refer to the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1957.
“When it has been amended, only then can the constitution be aligned and realigned with what was promised in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.”
