THIS is the best chance to correct the wrongs of 1976, said Beluran MP Ronald Kiandee during today’s debate on the amendment of Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution

Kiandee was referring to the constitutional amendment in 1976 under the then Barisan Nasional government to downgrade the status of Sabah and Sarawak as one of the founding members to just part of the 13 states in the Federation of Malaysia.

“This concerns our basic rights and we must support this amendment.

“It is our duty to ensure the government keeps its promise and form committees to look into Articles 112 (c) and (d), and Article 160 of the constitution,” said the former deputy Dewan Rakyat speaker.

Articles 112 (c) and (d) relate to Sabah and Sarawak’s special grants while Article 160 touches on the definition of the “federation”.

As per the Malaysia Agreement 1963, Sabah and Sarawak were to be “equal partners” with Malaya during the formation of the federation of Malaysia.

This is the first time an incumbent government is attempting to amend the constitution since losing two-thirds majority in Dewan Rakyat in the 2008 election.

Kiandee, now of Bersatu, said although the previous federal government had formed committees to look into restoring Sabah and Sarawak’s status, nothing was done.

“The previous ministers were too cautious and wanted to include all the amendments. This is our best chance to restore our position.

“As such, I urge all the Sabah and Sarawak MPs to back this. As for PAS, this doesn’t affect you but you can help us too.” 

The Federal Constitution was last amended in 2007 by then Barisan Nasional government to extend the retirement age of Election Commission commissioners to 66.

Pakatan Harapan currently has 129 MPs, from PKR (50), DAP (42), Bersatu (26) and Amanah (11).

With the help of friendly parties, Warisan (9) and Upko (1), the government coalition has 139 MPs but is still nine short of the 148 MPs needed to amend the constitution.

To do so, it will need the help of Gabungan Parti Sarawak that has 18 MPs. – April 9, 2019