KUCHING: History repeats itself, says Sarawak DAP committee member Julian Tan.
“The only difference is now they failed to cast the vote needed to restore back Sabah and Sarawak as equals with Peninsular Malaysia.
“In 1976, they downgraded the status of Sarawak to that of one of the 13 states,” he said.
Tan said it was the first time in Malaysia’s history since 1976 to have the federal constitution amendment to restore back the status of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners.
“This is unprecedented for a ruling party to do so when they do not have the two-third seats in Parliament. This is done so in good faith as such amendment seeks to strengthen and give back what belongs to Sabah and Sarawak. An equal partnership in the federation.”
“Gabungan Parti Sarawak (MPs) chose to abstain and by doing so, Pakatan Harapan (PH) lacked the extra 10 votes needed to see this bill passed.
“By doing so, GPS not only cost Sarawakians their equal status rights but also Sabahans when all Sabah MPs, including the opposition except one Umno MP, voted for the passing of the bill. If not for GPS, Sabahans and Sarawakians would have woken up this morning with the new-found position in the federation,” he said.
“During the rounding-up speech by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, he clearly stated with the amendment, Malaysia will consist of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
“Sabah and Sarawak will no more be one of the 13 states. There is even ongoing Special Cabinet Committee to discuss our rights and autonomy. The PH government is sincere and has taken the first step despite them not having the numbers needed and even need the opposition MPs to support it. Something which will never happen with the previous government,” he added.
“GPS has put its political interest above those of Sarawakians by abstaining from voting and caused the amendments to Article 1(2) to be rejected. It is the exact wording based on MA63. Sadly 44 years later, once again it is because of GPS (then BN) that Sabah and Sarawak continue to remain as one of the 13 states.”
