PBS: Go to Select Committee for maximum inputs

KOTA KINABALU, Apr 4, 2019:

Parti Bersatu Sabah today called for the proposed amendments on Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution be referred to a Select Committee in Parliament prior to debate and voting.

Its President Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili who spoke during the tabling of the proposed amendment’s first reading the the lower house said this was crucial in order to get the full inputs from all parties, both the government and general public.

“This is the best way to capture the aspirations and concerns of the Sabah and Sarawak people. There is, indeed, more to the amendment of Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution than just restoring the rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“Indeed, the matter is not just about amending the Article in the Constitution. Equally important are the accompanying by-laws and instruments to implement the position of equal status (between Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya),” he said, in a statement.

He noted that this amendment is possibly the most important ever after the formation of Malaysia for the eastern states, especially since it would restore equal status of the Sabah and Sarawak to Malaya in the Federation.

“Hence, consultation of the highest level with Sabah and Sarawak is critical and necessary, including tabling the proposed amendments in both State Assemblies to get maximum inputs from its leaders,” he said.

Ongkili stressed that this was not a normal amendment, adding that the implications are wide-reaching in terms of laws and legislation which will need amending.