STAKEHOLDER engagement and the tabling of federal constitution amendments to enable key transformation initiatives will be done within the 100-day time frame set by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, said Law Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

These amendments include Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) provisions, which are being scrutinised by the government in an effort to amend the constitution to reinstate the rights of Sabahans and Sarawakians, he added.

Wan Junaidi said a series of engagements between the Sabah government and local rights groups on the proposed amendments is ongoing, adding that restoring the rights of East Malaysian states is a top priority.

He said he aims to complete the engagement process and tabling of the amendment bill, as well as other transformation initiative bills, within the 100 days.

“The ministry, as part of its 100-day key performance indicators, is focusing on transformation initiatives in the government and Parliament, and examining the MA63,” he told journalists after visiting the court complex in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, today.

Wan Junaidi said the ministry will focus on four main areas, including to complete the tabling process for a bill of limitation on the prime minister’s tenure to 10 years or two terms; to complete the tabling process for a bill to allow the appointment of a third deputy Dewan Rakyat speaker; and, to complete the tabling process for critical bills on the rights of people in Sabah and Sarawak under MA63.

“We are optimistic of being able to complete this within the 100-day deadline.”

The 100th day of Ismail Sabri’s administration will fall on November 29.

The Santubong MP said he is aware that the proposed amendments are fraught with difficulties.

Since passing federal constitution amendments requires two-third support from MPs, extensive engagement with key stakeholders is required, he added.

“This is basically what I am doing now; making my rounds to see leaders and top government officials in Sabah and Sarawak to explain to them about this.

“This is an important agenda for us, and I hope that the people in Sabah and Sarawak, regardless of their political views, will support this.” – October 2, 2021.