PRIME Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today referred to Sarawak and Sabah as ‘regions in Malaysia’ instead of states.

“They are not states (in Malaysia). They are regions as in the MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963), which I recognise,” he said in a townhall meeting in Kuching this afternoon.

The prime minister also confirmed that he will amend Article 160 of the Federal Constitution on the definition of the word “federation” in the Federation of Malaysia.

In Article 160, the “federation” means “the federation established under the Federation of Malaya Agreement, 1957”. Sarawak contends that this should be amended to refer to the “Federation of Malaysia Agreement, 1963”, when Malaysia was formed.

“We (the federal government) acknowledged that,” Muhyiddin said.

However, the prime minister added to amend the constitution now could be a little difficult.

“This present government will not be able to do that without the concurrent support with the rest of the members of parliament,” he said referring on the need to have the support of two-third of the 222 MPs for the amendment to pass.

Muhyiddin’s Perikatan Nasional (PN) government only has a razor thin majority. Parliament is also currently suspended due to a state of emergency to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

He however, promised that if the PN government was given a “big win” in the 15th general election to have a two-thirds majority, the amendment “will have an easy passage”.

Recognition of Sarawak and Sabah’s equal standing with Malaya has been a longs-standing issue for the two Bornean states, and Muhyiddin’s remarks during his working visit to Sarawak today come after his PN coalition has been given the snub by Umno in the coming general election.

The prime minister also disclosed the Special Council on Malaysia Agreement 1963 will make an announcement soon on the progress of talks in three keys issues on state federal relations, security and socio-economic.

“We have achieved quite a success in those discussions. More good things are forthcoming for Sarawak and Sabah.

He said the discussions are all done in accordance with the rights of Sabah and Sarawak within the legislative framework.

“I would like to state here that the federal government evaluates all claims fairly and I assure you that Sarawak’s rights will continue to be protected in accordance with the federal constitution.

The prime minister said his PN government “is looking forward to further improve the federal-state relationship on a more solid footing based on mutual respect and understanding”. – April 1, 2021.