Project Sama proposal reflects lack of understanding

MIRI: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) has waded into the debate sparked by a suggestion that the Federal Constitution be amended to increase the number of senators for Sabah and Sarawak by 15 each.

In a statement on Tuesday its Publicity and Information Secretary, Adam Yii said Project Sama’s proposal reflects a lack of understanding and respect for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which laid the foundation for the formation of Malaysia.

Furthermore, it shows a limited grasp of the country’s legislative system, he said.

Yii said anyone with a basic understanding of the legislative system knows that the Dewan Negara cannot completely block the passage of a bill but can only delay its implementation.

If Dewan Rakyat passes a bill and it is presented to the Dewan Negara for more than a month without approval, it can still be submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for royal assent.

Additionally, if the bill is not related to taxation or finance, Dewan Negara can only delay its implementation for up to a year.

Therefore, strictly speaking, the Dewan Negara does not have veto power, he argued.

In conjunction with Malaysia Day, Yii emphasised that what Sarawak desires is merely the restoration of the powers that were stipulated during the formation of the federation.

In this respect he said describing Sarawak’s efforts as a grab for federal power shows a lack of understanding of the MA63 and is a disrespect to history.

Yii argued that simply increasing the number of senators from Sabah and Sarawak in the Dewan Negara will not grant them the veto power over bills.

To obtain veto power in the legislative system, the only way is to increase the number of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak in the Dewan Rakyat to more than one-third or 35 per cent.

“Of course, if the federal government is willing to simultaneously increase the number of Sarawak’s senators, that would be a welcome gesture,” he said.

Yii stressed that the goal of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is very clear and straightforward: to restore the rights granted to Sarawak under the MA63, nothing more, nothing less.