PBS says TYT's terms more than enough

Kota Kinabalu: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) expressed concern, Tuesday, over the possible extension of the term of Yang Di-Pertua Negeri (TYT) in Thursday's special sitting of the State Legislative Assembly.Its Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (pic) said: "The Yang di-Pertua Negeri has already served two terms, the limit imposed by law, and nothing will be served by having the same candidate in office.

"What's wrong with the existing provision? Will extending the term do any extra good for the people?" he asked.

Joniston who is also Kiulu Assemblyman said constitutional amendments must always benefit the people and not certain parties only.

"Two terms is more than sufficient, giving an opportunity to other distinguished leaders and personalities to be Head of State and contribute to the development of Sabah.

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"Even the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong's term is subject to one term, which has been upheld by the Federal Constitution.

"Hence, there appears a hidden agenda behind the alleged proposed amendments to the constitution," he suggested.

Joniston said if the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's term is not limited by law, the office will emerge as a de facto Sultanship of sorts as in the sultanates in Malaya.

"Hopefully, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong would not go along with any extension of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's term.

"Again, any extension would definitely be seen as an aberration by other stakeholders i.e. the other states with Yang di-Pertua Negeri, among others," he said.

Joniston also noted that in its supplementary supply budget in August, an unprecedented hefty RM1.3 million was added for the Yang di-Pertua Negeri and entourage to perform the Haj.

"This comes from a state government which complained the previous administration left the state coffers virtually empty, indeed even bankrupt, and financial reserves non-existent.

"It must be kept in mind that there have been controversies after the May 9 General Elections which saw two chief ministers being sworn-in within 48-hours on May 10 and May 12.

"Questions are being raised on the sanctity of the Sabah Constitution.

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"Indeed, the strange happenings began even before May 12 when the Governor rejected the then Chief Minister's advice to swear in six nominated state assemblymen," he said.

Joniston claimed that the facts, given the timeline of events in Sabah from May 9 to May 12 and beyond, speak for themselves, they were and are detrimental to parliamentary democracy.

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