KUCHING: The prime minister’s statement in Parliament is just a standard reply to inform everyone about the series of laws that are applicable when incidents that jeopardise public order occur, says SUPP women chief Kho Teck Wan (pic).
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said action would only be taken under the Sedition Act against those who call for Sarawak’s secession from Malaysia if they jeopardised public order and security.
He also said this was in line with the government’s policy to promote freedom of speech.
“The state government and Sarawakians are very clear on our demands for autonomy, share of resources, as well as monetary compensations,” said Kho.
“We are doing it through the MA63 steering committee through peaceful negotiation. Certain quarters in Sarawak are asking for a referendum should the negotiation fail, which in my opinion, is also a very democratic way of seeking public opinion without jeopardising public order.”
“Sarawakians are peace-loving people, we have grown mature over the years and our smart lawmakers and citizens will figure a way to fight for what is rightfully ours,” she said.
Kho added that the PM’s reply to Parliament indicated that there was no provision under the Federal Constitution, MA63, or the IGC Report that touched on any rights by Sabah and Sarawak to secede from Malaysia.
“Likewise, in my humble opinion, the Federal Constitution, MA63 and IGC Report do not have any clause that prevented Sabah and Sarawak to secede from Malaysia either.
“My opinion echoes Tun M’s speech in New York last September when he told Malaysians residing in the USA that there is no provision in the MA63 that Sabah and Sarawak cannot ask for independence, “ she stated.
