KUALA LUMPUR – As MPs debate amendments concerning the Malaysia Agreement 1963, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu (Kota Raja-PH) lamented Sarawak’s ban on certain opposition leaders, which prevented them from entering the state in the past.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, the former defence minister argued that such a ban should be reserved only for persona non grata or those with criminal records, and not issued based on political alignment.
He cited as an example how he was once barred from entering the state despite having already arrived via a flight in Kuching.
“We feel sad sometimes when we can travel to South Korea and Cuba but can’t enter Sarawak. This is something really saddening,” he said today.
“Individuals with different political alignments must be allowed to enter. We are talking about maturity and integrity.
“Even I had shed a tear because when I arrived in Kuching, I was ordered back. Why can’t I enter Sarawak when I can go to other countries? Even entering Israel is possible if we want.
“This issue must be addressed.”
Mohamad, or more popularly known as Mat Sabu, said this when debating the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2021, which was tabled for the second reading in the lower House today.
Among other things, the bill seeks to amend Article 1 of the federal constitution to separate Sabah and Sarawak from the other states of the federation under a new sub-clause of “Borneo states”.
The amendment will also see the inclusion of the definition of “Malaysia Day” in the constitution, which is September 16, 1963, and to substitute the meaning of “the federation” to better explain the formation of Malaysia.
Mohamad said if the amendments are passed today, he hopes this will push development in the two states to be at least on par with those in the peninsula.
More importantly, he said the practice of allowing timber tycoons to set the direction of state development, such as what is happening in Sarawak, must cease immediately.
“These tycoons’ influence is so great, and it must be eradicated,” he said. – The Vibes, December 14, 2021
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