KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Central Youth chairman, Michael Tiang, suggested to the Sarawak government that it should call for a referendum to ascertain the people’s aspirations.
Tiang said in the 60s, SUPP was pushing for a referendum to be held when Sarawakians were asked to decide on Malaysia’s formation.
“Our forefathers believed that the decision was so big and vital that a referendum must be held. Likewise, Sarawak is now given a chance to review its position in Malaysia. Thus, our government should push for a referendum as it is a big and vital decision,” Tiang said in a press conference at SUPP Headquarters here, yesterday.
He added that the government was elected by the people and it should honour the people’s aspirations.
Tiang said when amendment to MA63 failed to be passed in Parliament on April 9 it was not the end of the world.
“It was also not the end of our effort to correct past mistakes. The PH government can always table the amendment Bill in future after consulting all the parties concerned,” he said.
Calling the PH government to stop the blame game, Tiang said the PH government should give ample time to consult Sabah and Sarawak on their demands by going back to the MA63 Steering Committee.
The Steering Committee should be the one to come up with the final version of the amendment Bill and after obtaining consent from all the parties concerned before tabling it in Parliament.
“Make sure that the Steering Committee works and performs its functions accordingly,” he said.
Tiang also urged the PH government to give time to the GPS government to obtain consensus from the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) as it is the highest authority representing the aspirations of Sarawakians.
He also explained that it was important like what Santubong MP Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar had said that a committee be set up to iron our disagreements.
“We should go slowly because we would rather have detailed than general amendment,” he said.
Tiang who went to witness for himself the proceedings in Parliament said he was proud that GPS MPs put up a strong fight by telling the PH government what Sarawakians want.
He said the whole thing was a big let-down for Sarawakians.
“I have to question the sincerity of the PH government. Before you call Sarawak GPS MP traitors, look into the mirror what went wrong. We have to be careful now as we have been fooled before,” he added.
He said that Sarawak PH have lost their credibility since May 9 as they have not deliver anything good for Sarawakians.
“They did not put up a fight or speak for the people here. If Chong Chieng Jen has thought of Sarawakians, he should be the mouthpiece to fight for our interests,” Tiang stressed.
