Jeffrey
KOTA KINABALU: The timing of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) president Jeffrey Kitingan’s call for a new agreement to replace Malaysia Agremeent 1963 (MA63) on the eve of Malaysia Day celebration is uncalled for, said Warisan Supreme Council member Martin Tommy.
He said Jeffrey’s assertion does not reflect the spirit of solidarity as a Malaysian citizen, and the feeling of love for the country particularly on the Malaysia Day.
“Jeffery is literally talking about seccession or a breakup of Malaysia which is not permitted under the Federal Constitution. It can tantamount to treason,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
Martin, who is also the political secretary to Law Minister Datuk Liew Vui Keong was commenting on Jeffrey’s statement in creating a new Federal Constitution which reflects the equal partnership and grant full autonomy to Sabah and Sarawak in a new structure.
Jeffrey also said Sabah, Sarawak and the federal government should sign a new agreement, in place of the MA63, which he described as out of sync with the times as it was signed during British colonial times.
In rebuttal, Martin asserted that
the MA63 is an agreement between competent territories that led to the formation of Malaysia.
“There is no provision in MA63 that provides for its termination. What is needed to be done now is to review the terms to determine whether any of the provisions has not been complied with by the Federal government…such move should suffice, “ he said.
He said Malaysia is a sovereign nation structured in the form of a federation.
“No Malaysian in his right mind would simply decide to seek for another agreement,” he said.
Before this, de facto Law Minister Datuk Liew Vui Keong was quoted as saying the return of status for both Sabah and Sarawak in accordance to the MA63 is one of the five pillars under the Pakatan Harapan manifesto.
Therefore, he said the formation of the Special Cabinet Committee on MA63 is to review and propose measures to rectify the status of MA63 based on current legislation.
According to Liew, the high powered committee will consist of the country’s top leadership from the Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak.
“It’s reassuring for both Sabahans and Sarawakians to hear of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s recent remarks on MA63 when he said the government will revive the agreement made during Malaysia’s formation,” he said.
Liew also said this shows that the Pakatan Government is committed to restoring Sabah and Sarawak to their rightful position, in line with MA63.