KUCHING: Everything has to be done within the law of Malaysia, said Sarawak Patriot Association (SPA) president Datuk John Lau Pang Heng.
He stated this in relation to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s recent statement that the government may apply the Sedition Act if public order and security are jeopardised.
He also expressed concern over this recent news and extended SPA’s appreciation towards Dr Mahathir for advocating freedom of speech in Malaysia, but added that there is always a limit to this liberty.
“SPA supports the Sarawak government’s stand in that we have no intention of leaving Malaysia,” said Lau referring to the topic of secession and Sarawak seeking independence.
On whether secession is provided for or not in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution, Lau said: “Lord Lansdowne, the chairman of the Inter-Governmental Committee, said that an exit clause was not necessary for the formation of Malaysia as the right to enter into the Federation comes with the right to exit at any time.”
He said SPA expressed confidence that the state government would be able to negotiate with the federal government to ensure that all of Sarawak’s autonomy and privileges are returned.
“We understand that discontentment among Sarawakians exists as promises made have yet to be delivered by the present federal government,” Lau said, referring to the 20 percent oil royalty that the government had promised during the GE14 election.
