SABAH and Sarawak will be distinct territories in a proposed amendment to the Federal Constitution tabled today, but the opposition called it meaningless. 

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong (Batu Sapi-Warisan) read the motion to table a bill to amend Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution that lists Sabah and Sarawak as among 13 states in the federation. 

Instead of being grouped with the other states, the Article 1(2) would read: 

(2) The States of the Federation shall be 

- Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Terengganu and;

-Sabah and Sarawak.

But opposition leader Ismail Sabri (Bera-BN) said the amendment is meaningless as it does not meet demands from both states. 

“They are still states. Just that there is group A and group B. This amendment doesn’t address Sabah and Sarawak’s demands. It’s just two lines,” said the Umno vice-president.

Fadillah Yusof (Petra Jaya-GPS) suggested that a parliamentary select committee be set up to discuss the amendment before it is tabled.

“This affects the rights of other states in Peninsular Malaysia.”

But Dewan Rakyat Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof did not accept the protests.

“The notice for the amendment was given last night and it is sufficient notice for first reading. The issues you are raising now should be raised during the second reading.

“If you want a select committee for this, please table a motion.”

The second reading for Article 1(2) amendment, which requires the support 148 members of parliament, will be in this sitting that ends on April 11.

Speaking to reporters later, Dr Mahathir Mohamad said with the proposed amendment, Pakatan Harapan is showing that the federal government recognises Malaysia consists of three entities –Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak. 

“Because the Federal Constitution does not make that clear, we have to change the constitution. To do that, we need a two-thirds majority. 

“If it is rejected by Sabah and Sarawak (MPs), as far as this government is concerned, we are for it, but we don’t have a two-thirds majority.”

The ruling pact has the support of 139 MPs, which is nine short of passing the two-thirds threshold needed to amend the Federal Constitution. – April 4, 2019