KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob says the Federal Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019 should at least include a mention of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to substantiate the aspired change.
He said, currently, the bill only “dictates“ geographical positions of the peninsula states and Borneo, instead of clearly redefining the status of Sabah and Sarawak as the country’s founding members or regional territories.
“This is why we say that it is purely cosmetic. What does it (amendment) mean? That is why it should go back to the drawing board.
“Since it is about MA63, why don’t we mention it (in the amendment). Substantiate it. The Select Committee can review it,” Ismail said in his debate on the tabling of the bill by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today.
Ismail said while the opposition welcomed efforts to restore Sabah’s and Sarawak’s rights under MA63, a review of the bill was of utmost importance.
“We support any effort to restore the rights. But, there are things that we should look into. I support the efforts, but with conditions.”
The bill seeks to restore Sabah’s and Sarawak’s status as regional territories.
The amendment will specify all the constituent states of the federation by restoring, with modifications, the position of Clause (2) of Article 1 of the Federal Constitution during the formation of Malaysia in 1963.