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Federal Constitution: Amendments will protect Sarawak’s rights and its people

KUCHING: While citizens have their own opinion on the amendment to the Federal Constitution, most importantly, it ensures the protection of Sarawak’s right and its people. “There are individuals commenting on this matter, but for me, I believe this will guarantee the protection of our rights in the constitution,” said Marudi assemblyman Datuk Dr Penguang […]

Sibuti rep sets sights on GE15

MIRI: Sibuti assemblyman Lukanisman Awang Saini is eyeing the 15th General Election (GE15). According to him, there would be more voters since Undi18 would be implemented – the amendment to Article 119(1) of the Federal Constitution reduces the minimum voting age from 21 to 18. “These young people will have the choice to choose capable […]

Autonomy, special rights of Sarawak, Sabah need to be revived, enforced

MA63 and status of Borneo states BY MAGDALENE ROGERS & NATASHA JEE KUCHING: Since autonomy and special rights of Sarawak and Sabah are contained in about 80 or so provisions of the Federal Constitution, they need to be revived and enforced, both in letter and in spirit. This was the gist of an online talk […]

Fight for state rights will continue: Abang Johari

BINTULU: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has pledged to continue its fight in regaining Sarawak’s rights as stipulated under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that one of such rights is the special grant accorded to the state under Article 112D of the Federal […]

Bill on MA63 tabled for first reading

KUALA LUMPUR: History was made with the first reading of the Bill to amend the Federal Constitution, with regard to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said this was a new chapter in the nation’s history – the first steps […]

MA63 Bill holdup a misunderstanding

KUCHING: The deferment of the proposed constitutional amendments relating to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was attributed to a misunderstanding by several Cabinet ministers. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, who remained optimistic that the Bill, which was supposed to be tabled in Parliament this week, said there are no problems with the […]

Articles of faith

A constitution should be construed with less rigidity and more generosity than other statutes. —  Justice Nik Hashim, Federal Court, Malaysia Malaysia’s Federal Constitution (FC), once sanctimoniously dubbed the “document of destiny,” was initially developed as a document of harmony inviting “a certain set of principles of constitutional interpretation which are not the same as […]

Identify, manage social changes properly

The Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara protect the concept of ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ – namely the inclusivity, common ground, and contentment of Malaysians. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Institute of Ethnic Studies principal research fellow Professor Dr Mansor Mohd Noor said the concept itself guarantees prosperity, and peace for every level of society in the country. “However, […]

Fill in everything first, says Fatimah

KUCHING: Individuals who wish to submit an application for citizenship status under Article 15A of the Federal Constitution for those under the age of 21 should ensure that complete documentation is provided. Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said it was important to ensure that the application form […]

Foundation commends efforts on Sabah, Sarawak rights

KUCHING: Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) commended the Special Council on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) for agreeing to amend Article 1(2) and Article 160(2) of the Federal Constitution that would return Sabah and Sarawak to equal status with Peninsular Malaysia. Chief executive of YPS Datuk Aloysius J. Dris also congratulated Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department […]