KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s renewed call for Sarawak and Sabah to be given one-third of the seats in Parliament is a positive development towards restoring the rights and powers of Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
In stating this, former Miri mayor Datuk Lawrence Lai said it could be seen as a giant step forward to ensure that Sarawak and Sabah are equal partners with Malaya in the formation of the Federation of Malaysia.
“At the material time before Singapore left Malaysia in 1965, the three non-Malayan partners have one-third representation in Parliament, with 24 MPs from Sarawak, 16 MPs from Sabah and 15 MPs from Singapore.
“However, after Singapore left Malaysia in 1965, the 15 seats held by Singapore were never distributed to Sarawak and Sabah and since then, they have lost their one-third representation in Parliament.
“The aforesaid proposal of one-third representation in Parliament by Abang Johari is, therefore, definitely the correct move and heading in the right direction to restore the rights and powers of Sarawak and to safeguard and protect the interests of all Sarawakians,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (July 21).
He said the proposal was also much more substantial and meaningful than merely amending Article 1(2) in the Federal Constitution.
“This is because under Article 159(3) of the Federal Constitution, any amendment to the Federal Constitution shall not be passed unless it has been supported by the votes of not less than two-third of the Members of Parliament.
“In other words, if Sarawak and Sabah have one-third representation in Parliament, then no amendment in the Federal Constitution can be made unless with the full support from Sarawak and Sabah,” he explained.
In view of the paramount importance to the legal rights and powers of Sarawak, Lai said the proposal should be supported by all Sarawakians and every political party in Sarawak.
He expressed hope that the issue would not be politicised, adding that the people should back the Chief Minister on this.
“It is hoped that politicians from across the state of Sarawak, although from different political parties, should all unite and work together to support the proposal. “If approved, the proposal would indeed be an excellent gift to all Sarawakians while we Sarawakians are celebrating Sarawak Day on July 22. Happy Sarawak Day!” he added.
