BACKBENCHERS are said to be “optimistic” the amendment to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution will receive the needed support from the opposition as it represents an important “first step” to restoring rights to Sabah and Sarawak as per the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).  

“This is no time to be political. This no time for political ploys,” said Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii at the Parliament lobby today.

Dr Yii said the ruling coalition is hopeful that the motion will see the required two-thirds support in the Dewan Rakyat. 

The Dewan Rakyat is expected to debate this afternoon on the bill to amend Article 1(2), which states that the Federation of Malaysia shall comprise the states of Malaya, and Sarawak and Sabah.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) and its Sabah ally Warisan are 13 MPs short of the 148 votes required for the two-thirds majority in the 222-seat Parliament, a require to amend the Federal Constitution. 

Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), which left Barisan Nasional after the May 9 generl election, holds 19 parliamentary seats. 

De facto law minister Liew Vui Keong had expressed confidence in an interview last month that with the support of GPS and several independents, PH will have the votes needed.

Dr Yii said the amendment intends to give proper recognition to the founding members of Malaysia in 1963, pursuant to the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

“We know that the constitution was amended in 1976 under the then Barisan Nasional government to downgrade the status of Sabah and Sarawak, from founding members to part of the 13 states in the federation. 

“And that amendment stood for 43 years without efforts or intentions by the previous government to amend it.

“Now under Pakatan Harapan, within the first year, we have shown clear intention. We have shown sincerity to correct the wrong that was done. 

“And the fact that the first ever constitutional amendment under the government is to correct this, shows how much we value the status of Sabah and Sarawak.”

Asked on why PH did not wait for the MA63 steering committee to conclude its findings before amending the constitution, Dr Yii said, “This is not the only step we are taking.

“This is the first step we are taking to restore what has been lost and what has been taken away from us.” – April 9, 2019