KUCHING: Just a “mere” amendment to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution, even if suitably worded, would not bring equality to Sarawak, said Datuk Peter Minos.
The political analyst said true and real equality should mean Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya (representing the 11 states), as three components of Malaysia, sharing one third each of power, finance, parliament and all things in Malaysia.
“That is the equality we are talking about and seeking for,” Minos said in a statement yesterday.
“As things are now, even Sarawak’s repeated requests for the return and restoration of its powers in Malaysia Agreement 1963, (the legal international treaty that formally created Malaysia in 1963), had not been met by the federal government.
“Up till now, Petronas and federal government have not given anything extra to Sarawak despite repeated requests and appeals. Almost 100 per cent of the profits and benefits from the oil and gas found in Sarawak are used for development in Malaya, while Sarawak has been and still is languishing badly behind in all areas. This is definitely not equality and fairness,” he stressed.
Minos said the federal government and Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had promised equality to Sarawak (and Sabah).
“But what and where is the equality when the federal government, dominated by Malayans control and dominate national finance, Petronas, Parliament, federal civil service, military, police, education, economic and social development, etc.?
Minos said there could not be equality when Malayans control the nation in all aspects, with Sarawak being treated unfairly and “pretty shabbily”.
Unless and until the unfairness and bad treatment of Sarawak are looked into and solved, Minos said there is “no real equality but a sham one”.
Minos said what is clear is that many drastic and real changes in so many areas should be done for equality to be seen to be served.
Minos expressed the hope that the federal government and the Malayans would “rethink and review their attitudes towards Sarawak and go truly positive about it”.
“This is the only way for justice, fairness and equality to be served to Sarawak. And this is also the only way towards a united, peaceful and happy Malaysia,” he added.
