A GROUP of NGOs from Sabah and Sarawak have expressed alarm and concern over the alleged continuous federal breaches of the Malaysia Agreement 63 (MA63) and the destruction of the MA63 secularism concept.
“We in Sabah and Sarawak strongly oppose the proposed Mufti Bill that seeks to expand the powers of the Mufti in the Federal Territories.
“We firmly reject any move to be ruled by Muftis, as this would effectively sideline the constitutional monarchy, the Madani government, and the secular parliamentary democracy that Malaysia is built upon.
“Such a change would transform Malaysia into an Islamic state overnight,” they said in a statement.
The ongoing violations of the MA63 have reached a critical point, with recent developments such as the halal certification issue, the divisive #RUU355 Bill, the appointment of halal inspectors and the impending passage of the Mufti Bill 2024.
These measures represent yet more serious breaches of MA63 and have sparked widespread concern among citizens, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.
“These actions constitute direct attacks on the secular system, which was a fundamental guarantee to Sabah and Sarawak when Malaysia and also the Malayan Federation were set up,” the group said.
The group said the cumulative effect of these breaches highlights a pattern of erosion of the constitutional safeguards that were intended to protect the pluralistic and secular nature of the federation.
“The Mufti Bill, which was reportedly set to be passed on Oct 16 or 17, is yet another alarming development that further erodes the damaged secular structure of Malaysia.
“This bill would grant sweeping powers to the Mufti, enabling the issuance of religious decrees that could have significant impacts on both Muslims and non-Muslims alike,” they said.
The NGOs said the broad powers of the Mufti under this bill pose a direct threat to the secular element of the constitution.
They said MA63 is an international treaty, and the ongoing violations of its terms - particularly the dismantling of the secular system - render it null and void.
The treaty’s core promises, including the preservation of secularism in Sabah and Sarawak, have been systematically violated, they alleged.
“The violations of the treaty, alongside the imposition of a race-religion apartheid system, have effectively terminated the validity of MA63.
“The federal government has failed to uphold its obligations, and the systematic erosion of the secular foundation of the nation has breached both the spirit and the letter of the agreement,” they claimed.
They added that the allocation of 34.6% of seats in the Dewan Rakyat, a principle rooted in constitutional and historical obligations, was also meant to safeguard the interests of Sabah and Sarawak. - October 13, 2024.
The statement was jointly issued by:
1. Daniel John Jambun – President Borneo's Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)
2. Robert Pei - President, Sabah Sarawak Rights Australia New Zealand, (SSRANZ)
3. Peter John Jaban - Founder SAS Saya Anak Sarawak (SAS)
4. Mosses Paul Anap Ampang - President Republic Sabah North Borneo (RSNB)
5. Voon Lee Shan - President, Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK)
6. Themothy Jagak Dayak Cultural Ambassador for Gabungan Orang Asal Sabah/ Sarawak (GOASS)
7. Ahmad bin Awang Ali- Pusat Latihan Orang Asal Sarawak
8. Alim GA Mideh - Bulang Birieh Dayak Civil Movement
9. Kanul Gindol Chairman Gindol Initiative for Civil Society Borneo
10. Jovilis Majami President Persatuan pembangunan sosial komunity Sabah (BANGUN)
11. Cleftus Stephen Mojingol President Pertubuhan kebajikan Rumpun Dayak Sabah (PKRDS)
12. Peter John Jaban Publicity and information Chief Sarawak Association for People's Aspirations (SAPA)
13. Michael Jok Secretary General Society for Rights of Indigenous People of Sarawak (SCRIPS)
14. Paul Rajah Legal Adviser Society for Rights of Indigenous People of Sarawak (SCRIPS)
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