Against MA63 to say PM post only for Malays, Sarawak politicians say

SARAWAK PKR chairman Roland Engan said a suggestion from a certain Peninsular Malaysia political party that a law be enacted to reserve the post of prime minister (PM) for Malays was against the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“That suggestion is against MA63 and also the Federal Constitution, of which Sarawak and Sabah are partners to Malaya in Malaysia.

“There must not be any amendment to the Federal Constitution to satisfy those with a political agenda to reserve the PM post only for Malays,” he said in a statement today.

Engan said it was worrying that certain peninsular politicians were increasingly using racial issues.

He said the country should be moving forward, not dragged backwards by parochial politics.

Sarawak DAP’s Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii criticised the “Malay-only PM” idea.

He said the suggestion could divide multiracial Malaysia.

“Such narrow thinking and bigotry is also what is causing the widening gap of integration, not only among races, but also among the regions of Sarawak and Sabah,” he said.

“Malaysia was formed by three regions – Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya – based on principles and rights outlined in MA63 and integrated into the Federal Constitution. These principles aimed to foster a multi-ethnic, multireligious and multicultural Malaysia,” he said.

The PM post was for anyone deemed fit by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, if that person had the support of the majority of the people and MPs, he said.

Yii said the country must not be caught up in politics of racial and religious nature.

Earlier, Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal called for a constitutional amendment so only Malays could become PM.

He said this following DAP veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang’s blogpost titled “Malaysian Constitution provides for a Malaysian Dream and not a mono-ethnic dream as it provides that a non-Malay can be a Prime Minister” dated November 30.

Parti Sarawak Bersatu secretary-general Baru Bian reportedly said East Malaysian MPs would not support the move to limit the PM post to Malay-Muslims.

The Ba’Kelalan assemblyman was quoted by Malaysiakini as being disappointed with Wan Fayhsal for making such a proposition.

Commenting on the matter, PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there was no need for the Federal Constitution to be amended.

“So far, there’s no need, no serious discussion,” he was quoted as saying today by Bernama.

He assured the PM post in Malaysia would continue to be held by a Malay.

“Either from the government or the opposition bloc, the candidate will be Malay.

“Let’s move forward, safeguard the rights of the people, and protect the interests of all citizens, all ethnicities and all regions,” he was quoted as saying.

Anwar reminded the opposition not to play up issues that could create racial disharmony.

“Find other means to help boost the economy and alleviate the people’s burden. Don’t just keep causing trouble, aren’t you tired?” he said. – The Vibes, December 15, 2023.