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The State Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a motion to endorse the proposed amendment of Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution that will restore Sabah’s status as an equal partner in the federation, if it gets re-tabled in Parliament. The original move was defeated in Parliament on April 9.

The motion was tabled by Karanaan Assemblyman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun who called for a common stand that the State Government and Members of Parliament from Sabah should continue to pursue further negotiations with all the relevant parties on the implementation of the amendment in Parliament as soon as possible. “The people of Sabah, though this assembly, must state their stand with regard to the proposed amendment so that efforts can be continuously taken to realise our aspirations, that is to restore Sabah’s status as an equal partner with Sarawak and Malaya in the federation. I know there have been different opinions about Article 1(2). To me, it’s not just a matter about the different interpretations. It’s about if we refused to support or recognise the amendment, does it mean we indirectly agree with the 1976 amendment? Which is better, the original provision in the Constitution or the amended version in 1976?” he asked.

He urged the assembly to take a firm stand and form a unified voice on matters concerning rights of the state, regardless the members’ political affiliations.

“So, I’m now tabling this motion to reflect the aspirations of all the people of Sabah who want this (Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution) to be amended so that this would be the start of our journey in reclaiming our rights as enshrined in the Malaysian Constitution,” he said.

Masidi tabled the motion after the Federal Government failed to secure the two-thirds vote in Parliament on April 9 to pass an amendment to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution to make Sabah and Sarawak equal partners in the federation. Supporting the motion, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said the definition to reinstate Sabah as one of the signatories of the formation of Malaysia was a fundamental.

“This was an international agreement which was signed by our forefathers. We must ensure that Sabah’s position will not be downgraded because this was what our forefathers had fought for.

“We are hungry for it. We have waited for 50 years. We might as well take it now,” he said.

Matunggong Assembly member Julita Majungki, who spoke on behalf of Parti Bersatu Sabah, said the party is supportive of the amendment but with conditions which includes to refer the amendment to the Parliamentary Select Committee.

She said they believe that by going through the committee, the amendment would be more holistic.

Photo Source: Bernama