KUALA LUMPUR – The title of “premier” which has been accorded to the chief minister of Sarawak is an overdue recognition for the states of Borneo.
Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said both Sarawak and Sabah have for the longest time been playing second fiddle to their peninsular cousins and the recognition of the head of government as a “premier” is just the start of bringing Sarawak along with Sabah into equal standing with the peninsula.
“In a federation, it is completely acceptable to have the title of premier,” Anwar told The Vibes.
“And it’s in line with Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the fact that Sarawak is an equal partner in the Federation (of Malaysia),” he added.
Anwar was asked about the significance of the Sarawak assembly which yesterday (February 15) passed the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill 2022 that sought to change the title of the head of the state's executive branch from “chief minister” to “premier”.
It was reported that Article 44 of the constitution will be amended to indicate that any mention of the chief minister will refer to the premier.
The bill also seeks to upgrade the status of assistant ministers by naming them “deputy ministers”.
Anwar said he hoped the amendment to the title will also mark the beginning of the return of the rights and interests of the people of Borneo under MA63 to them.
“Beyond this title change we must respect and honour the agreement and promises that are part of MA63. Otherwise we continue to make only cosmetic changes, which for the people of Sarawak and Sabah is unacceptable,” he said. – The Vibes, February 16, 2022
