KUCHING: If a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) is to be formed to look into the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), it must be done properly.
The was stated by Minister for Integrity and Ombudsman in the Chief Minister’s Office, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, in response to last Saturday’s announcement by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong who declared that a PSC on the implementation of the MA63 will be established.
The setting up of the PSC would be good news for Sarawak only if it is carried out strictly according to the rules and procedures.
“If Liew, who is the de facto law minister, did indeed say the PSC would be established to look into the MA63, it ought to be done fast and on the right footing,” he told New Sarawak Tribune via WhatsApp.
Firstly, he said, the term of reference of the PSC must be worked through consultation, which means the views of the governments of Sabah and Sarawak must be sought.
Secondly, the membership of the PSC must be balanced, and thirdly, the deliberation must be made public.
In addition to that, he said, public submissions and hearings should be organised at a certain stage to gather the views of the people, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and others.
“Ultimately we want to addressed and resolve the dissatisfaction, frustration or even anger concerning the matter,” he said.
“Not addressing the issues will only worsen the situation. Thus, goodwill must prevail.”
Talib looked forward to meaningful engagements between Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak in the matter of the implementation of MA63.
