KOTA KINABALU – There is no need for the state government to seek consent from the Sabah governor on constitutional amendments before tabling the anti-hopping law, said two party leaders.
Sabah opposition leader Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and Melalap assemblyman Datuk Peter Anthony said bills should be tabled in the state assembly before seeking consent from the head of state.
“I have been in the system for so long… any amendments must be tabled in the state assembly. We only seek consent from the head of state once it is passed,” said Shafie, who is Warisan president.
“We know procedures, I have been a policymaker for many years. When we table a bill, it is not necessary to seek consent first. There is a clear separation of powers, and the house has the freedom to table laws,” he said during a press conference at the Warisan headquarters here today.
Shafie said it is the responsibility of lawmakers to debate and pass bills before they could be granted royal assent.
He added that he believes it is not right for the governor’s name to be invoked on the matter.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor yesterday denied allegations that the bill’s tabling was purposely delayed to allow more assemblymen to join the state government.
He said the anti-hopping law involves an amendment to Sabah’s constitution, and this requires approval from the state’s governor and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong before it can be tabled in the state assembly.
The amendment to the state constitution is among four bills to be tabled in the first meeting of the fourth term of the Sabah assembly from tomorrow till Thursday.
Meanwhile, Peter – who leads Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) – said the state government has taken irregular steps in introducing the amendments.
“The amendments should be tabled before seeking consent from the head of state. This is the usual practice.”
Under the Sabah constitution, there is no need for the state to seek royal assent from the Agong or head of state as tabled bills can be passed by assemblymen’s votes. – The Vibes, May 22, 2023
