KUCHING: Persatuan Intelektual Pribumi Sarawak (PERANTIS) opined that the amendment to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution will not be truly significant unless accompanied by changes to Article 160(2).
The latter defines the interpretation of ‘The Federation’, critical to contextualising the status of Sabah and Sarawak within Malaysia as per the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
The association said that while the amendments may recognise the historical agreement in the constitution—a first in history — they would only begin to resolve long-standing issues if further changes follow.
“It will pave the way for necessary adjustments or amendments in the State Legislative Assembly to reclaim Sarawak’s rights, which have been overlooked for 60 years,” said PERANTIS in a statement.
Furthermore, the group proposed renaming the State Legislative Assembly to the Sarawak Legislative Assembly and suggested that State Assembly members be known as Sarawak Assemblymen/women. This move aims to reflect more accurately the state’s role and status within the federation.
PERANTIS also highlighted the importance of equitable resource sharing in Malaysia, stressing that dividends should be allocated based on factors like Sarawak’s contributions to national finances. These contributions include federal revenues from the state’s natural resources and local tax collections.
Addressing future priorities, the association urged the central government to prioritise the development needs of Sabah and Sarawak in the 2025 budget.
“Given the ongoing presence of underdeveloped areas and inadequate infrastructure, a review and possible revision of the MA63 are essential to rectify past oversights,” it added.
