Caveats on Sarawak-Sabah Affairs Ministry

KUCHING: Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) welcomes Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s noble intention to resolve issues affecting the Bornean regions through the creation of Sarawak-Sabah affairs portfolio.

Its president Lina Soo, however, has a number of caveats. She said as the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) allude to equal partnership, there should be two separate portfolios with a full minister each for Sarawak and Sabah.

“I also call upon Sarawak and Sabah ministers to pave the way for a referendum on independence to get the people to judge whether the federation concept is tenable and sustainable after almost 60 years.

“This is in line with the people’s desire for self-determination … to choose their own political, social and economic future,” she said.

Soo said many issues such as MA63, oil and gas, federal laws which impinge upon the political and territorial rights of Sarawak and Sabah, and corruption are still unresolved.

“No more endless and meaningless discussions or negotiations. The ministers must show their mettle now as the people don’t want any more delays,” she said.

She hopes the Sarawak-Sabah Affairs Ministry would effectively fulfil the expectations of Sarawakians and not be like a candy used to pacify a child who throws a tantrum.

“I also hope the ministry won’t become a convenient scapegoat to point fingers at when nothing gets done or when things go wrong in Sarawak and Sabah,” she said.

As the state election is near, she warned that Sarawakians had power in their hands to reward or to punish politicians.

“I believe the new generation of voters is mature politically and well-informed, so politicians are expected to perform their tasks with integrity and commitment, failing which they will discover that their political fortunes will be at the mercy of voters,” she said.