A picture of the Explanatory Statement segment of the Bill.
UPDATES
12:07PM – The much awaited amendments to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution will merely revert to the Original Article of Constitution as at Malaysia Day with no indications on finance, rights to oil and gas, territorial waters, observes a legal expert.
In an immediate response to the Bill that seeks to amend Clause (2) of Article 1 of the Federal Constitution, the legal expert commented that the amendment has no positive impact on the eroded rights and powers of Sarawak and Sabah.
“No big deal unless all other issues of finance, rights to oil n gas, territorial waters are resolved.
“It is just reverting to Original Article of Constitution as at Malaysia Day.
“No other positive impact on our eroded rights and powers,” said the legal expert.
12:08PM – Reading gets underway in Parliament.
12:09PM – Many MPs are objecting to the Bill, instead they want a select committee from Parliament to study it first.
12:20PM – First reading is concluded.
KUCHING: A Bill will be read in Parliament for the first time today to seek the passing of an Act cited as the Constitution (Amendment) Act 2019.
This Bill seeks to amend Clause (2) of Article 1 of the Federal Constitution to 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 formation of Malaysia in 1963.
“This amendment is made in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement concluded in 1963.
“It satisfies the aspiration and hope of the State Governments of Sabah and Sarawak, all all people of Sabah and Sarawak.
“This amendment does not, in any way, alter the functions of the Federal and State Governments under the concept of federalism,” read the Bill.
The first reading concluded with: “This Bill will involve the government in extra financial expenditure the amount of which cannot at present be ascertained.”
Under the Bill, the Federal Constitution will be amended in Article 1 by substituting for Clause (2) as follows:
“(2) The States of the Federation shall be –
(a) Johore, Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Terengganu; and
(b) Sabah and Sarawak.”
This Act is expected to come into operation on a date to be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong by notification in the Gazette.
The first reading will be read out by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong while the second and third reading by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is scheduled for April 9.