SIBU: There were no traps or conspiracies by Malaya in the Bill to amend the Federal Constitution as mentioned by GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak), Sibu MP Oscar Ling said at a press conference here yesterday.
Ling added that the amendment was meant to return to the original text in the constitution agreed in MA63.
“Although some may say that the text in the amendment Bill is not 100 per cent similar to the original constitution, the spirit is there. Fine tuning would be allowed in the coming second reading,” he added.
Ling also stated that GPS MPs objected to the amendment Bill was not due to the wording of the amendment Bill but they demanded more content amendments of the Federal Constitution.
“Currently there are two special committees discussing on the details of the devolution of powers involving Sabah and Sarawak. Hence, to amend the contents of the constitution at the moment does not make any sense, if the details have not been finalised yet,” he pointed out.
Ling added that the present constitution amendment is to return the status of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners as pledged by the PH government.
“Thus, the first amendment is the very first step of the whole process of returning the rights to both states.”
Ling also emphasised the fact that during BN’s era, the constitution amendment was considered impossible to realise, even during the late Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s era.
He regarded the effort to amend the first part of the constitution as a big step in returning the rights and status to both Sabah and Sarawak.
“According to the standing order, there will be debate during the second reading as well as fine tuning of the wording. If GPS continues to boycott and objects the new amendment Bill, then the Bill will not be passed in the Parliament because PH does not have two thirds majority,” he said.
Ling also said that the coming constitution amendment has gained full support from PH MPs, not only MPs from Sabah and Sarawak but also full support from Malaya MPs.
Only PAS MPs have not expressed their stand. However, Umno and GPS have joined force to object the amendment Bill for the reason that substantive contents were not included in the amendment.
“It is nonsense to say there are traps or conspiracies,” said Ling.
He added that the PH government was sincere in wanting to realise the people’s aspirations to return back the equal partner status.
