MP briefing on constitutional amendment over MA63, says Vui Keong
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PUTRAJAYA will brief all members of Parliament after it tables the amendment to Article 1 (2) of the Federal Constitution, said Liew Vui Keong.
The de facto law minister said work on the proposed amendment has been completed and ready to be tabled for first reading this week or the next.
The amendment is about restoring the rights of Sabah and Sarawak in accordance to the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Liew said a pre-council meeting will be held after to address any concerns raised by the MPs, before proceeding to the debate stage.
“We will have everyone, including the opposition for the briefing.
“I have been receiving numerous emails and calls from members of the public and legal experts about the amendment.
“This way, they can all debate and proposed their views on how the amendment should be done,” said Liew at the opening of Kota Kinabalu court complex today.
He added Putrajaya was not able to make all their deliberation public as the government memorandum is a matter of national secret and comes under the secrecy laws.
On Malaysia Day last year, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced that Putrajaya would work to restore the status of Sabah and Sarawak as equal to the Federation of Malaysia, in accordance to the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Both East Malaysia territories were downgraded to states following the amendment of the constitution in 1976.
Liew said a comprehensive study has been done to look into any related provisions in the Federal Constitution that might affect the restoration of the East Malaysia territories as equal partners.
In the case of Article 160 for example, he said the provision is not applicable in the restoration work.
“Article 160, which brought forth the definition of federation, does not refer to Federation of Malaysia.”
The provision refers to Malaya in 1957, excluding Sabah and Sarawak.
Liew said Putrajaya will be able to pass the amendment with strong support from Parliament, citing many MPs have pointed the move is a good step for Malaysia. – April 2, 2019