KOTA KINABALU: In 1963, Malaysia was formed by Sabah, Sarawak, Federation of Malaya and Singapore (prior to its secession in 1965) as equal partners.
On 2 April 2021, while at Sarawak Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has called Sarawak a “wilayah” (“region”), setting it apart from other states in Malaysia. Effectively, this means Sabah is also called a “region”.
This is an encouraging news for Sabahans and Sarawakians because this is at least an upward trend in restoring Sabah and Sarawak status as equal partners. This is not to be confused with a Federal Territory like Labuan, which is not even a state.
PM has said that MA63 Special Council would be announcing its decision on several issues including the Federal Constitution amendments and socio-economic matters concerning Sabah and Sarawak soon. I opine that various amendments need to be made on the Federal Constitution, such as the definition of “The Federation” in Article 160 by replacing “Federation of Malaya Agreement 1957” to “Malaysia Agreement 1963”. This is so that Sabah and Sarawak rights under MA63 would be fully recognised by the Federal Constitution.
But amendment to Federal Constitution requires 2/3 majority in the parliament. I urge that all members of parliament, opposition or government alike, to come together and support the amendments to restore Sabah and Sarawak rights under MA63, especially if they are sincere and genuine.-
by Yong Yit Jee,
Lawyer cum Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Supreme Councillor
Kota Kinabalu, 9 April 2021
