ONLY citizens of Sarawak who truly understand the state and can be elected as members of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
Jefferson Jamit Unyat (PBB-Bukit Goram) said, “Only Sarawakians know what is best for Sarawak and understands the local needs and aspirations of its people.
“Sarawakians are knowledgeable, smart, well-versed in local customs and circumstances and know the local needs and aspirations of its people.“
He said this when debating the proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill, 2020 which sought to define and clarify the words “resident in the state”.
Jamit added only Sarawakians could be trusted to safeguard Sarawak’s rights, especially under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“This is not only about the here and now, but the future generations to come who will inherit this land and only Sarawakians are willing to fight for the best interests of the state.
“Sarawak has plenty of intellectual, loyal Sarawakians. I strongly believe state representatives should be citizens of Sarawak. With this, I support the bill,” he said.
Touching on another section of the amendment of the bill which sought to lower the age qualification of a person as elected member of the DUN under Article 16 of the State Constitution, Jamit said he supported the lowering of the minimum voting age from 21 to 18 years old.
“It is a fact that at least 160 countries around the world allow those aged 18 years old to vote. As Malaysia moves towards greater democracy, it is timely that the youth are empowered to make their decisions at the polls,” he said.
