‘Over the years, we noted that there had been some forms of ‘breaches or non-compliance’ by the Federal Government such as power centralisation on the pretext of ‘federalism’ or ‘nation building’ or ‘national integration’ instead of ‘devolution’.’
IT’S good for Sarawak to send its own selective consultative committee to review the implementation of MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963).
This was pointed out by Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan in his speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting in Kuching yesterday.
“Sarawak was a direct party with “equal status” as Malaya, Singapore and North Borneo (now Sabah) when the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was signed.
“Being an equal partner, Sarawak should have an equitable representation in all deals, negotiations and conclusions,
“Over the years, we noted that there had been some forms of “breaches or non-compliance” by the Federal Government such as power centralisation on the pretext of “federalism” or “nation building” or “national integration” instead of “devolution”.
“This is quite peculiar in education, civil service, contacts and GLCs from the Federal. This Consultative Committee will act for us,” said Snowdan.
He added that the Steering Committee formed by the Federal Cabinet on September 5 this year was lopsided and did not reflect an equitable representation for Sarawak and Sabah.
“There are 12 members from the Federal but only two each from Sabah and Sarawak. Notably, Sarawak is being under-presented, “There ought to be representatives from the United Kingdom to this committee because the UK was privy to the MA63 then.
If the agreement becomes void or is breached, any remedy would also require the presence of the same parties privy to it, “Representatives from Sarawak will not be those dictated by the Federal Cabinet but will be Sarawakians of our choice and are professionals excellent in their own fields such as lawyers, cabinet ministers, historians, and scholars alike, “In other words, we know what’s best for us. The onus is for Sarawakians to pursue this matter to their utmost ability,” he said.
Snowdan added that he strongly supported the establishment of the consultative committee and urged all the representatives in the August House to do so as well.
