KUCHING – The state assembly is the highest law-making authority in Sarawak, and such is why any decision made by it should be respected by everybody, said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
Speaking to reporters during a press conference after visiting the Borneo Cultures Museum here today, he pointed out that such decisions include the constitutional amendment bill to change the title of the state head from “chief minister” to “premier”.
Karim’s remarks came in response to Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka (DBP) board of control chairman Prof Datuk Awang Sariyan, who said earlier today that he hopes the state will reconsider its decision on the matter.
Utusan Malaysia reported Sariyan as saying that there might be long-term implications with the usage of the term “premier” instead of “chief minister”, as it could create the perception that there was a prime minister at the state level.
He had reportedly said the concept of federalism, which was the basis of the Malaysian federation, might be affected and the matter needed to be examined carefully.
“That is only the DBP board of control chairman’s personal opinion. There are still many other opinions from other professors of various universities,” said Karim.
Karim also pointed out that a professor he knew was of the opinion that there was nothing wrong with the recently passed constitutional amendment, as it reflected the rights of Sarawak as a founding partner of the Federation of Malaysia.
He reiterated that the highest law-making bodies of the country are Parliament at the federal level and the assembly at the state level.
“Everybody must respect the highest law-making body (at the state level).
“While it is the right of DBP to give its opinion, other members of the agency or linguistic experts might not concur with it,” said Karim.
On February 15, the Constitution of the State of Sarawak (Amendment) Bill 2022, which contains a clause to change the designation of the “chief minister” to “premier”, was passed by the state assembly.
It was tabled by Karim, who is also the state tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister.
The bill was passed with more than two-thirds majority when 67 members voted in favour of it, while six members opposed it. – The Vibes, February 22, 2022
