Senator: Real power lies in Dewan Rakyat, not Dewan Negara

Senator Robert Lau

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 16: Senator Datuk Robert Lau has corrected an advocacy group that misconceived that Sabah and Sarawak will have veto power by giving them one-third representation in Dewan Negara (Senate) instead of Dewan Rakyat so as to fulfil the promise of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

He said the Senate’s power is only limited to delaying a bill from becoming law.

In addition, he cited that there are several provisions in the Federal Constitution that limit the power of the Senate, such as Article 68, which allows for a monetary bill passed by Dewan Rakyat to be presented directly to the King for royal assent if Dewan Negara fails to pass the same within a month.

“As for non-monetary bills, the Senate can only delay the bill passed by Dewan Rakyat by a year. It has no veto power,” Lau said in a statement today.

He further pointed out that the advocacy group’s remark that there are only 4.29 per cent representations from Sarawak and Sabah in Dewan Negara is wrong.

“This only takes into account the senators elected by each State assembly (two from each state). It failed to consider the balance of 40 senators that were appointed by the King.

“Currently, there are nine senators from Sarawak (two elected by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly and seven appointed by the King) and five from Sabah.

“The maximum number of senators is 70. Most of the time, there will be a few vacancies,” he explained.

At the same time, he slammed the non-governmental organisation (NGO) for grouping the Federal Territory of Labuan as part of the Sabah and Sarawak bloc.

Nevertheless, Lau said the one-third representation of Sabah and Sarawak in Dewan Rakyat is important so as to prevent Malayan Members of Parliament (MPs) from amending the Constitution unilaterally.

He described the NGO’s suggestion as offering an inferior product in lieu of the promised superior product to the people of Sarawak and Sabah.

“Of course, Sarawak and Sabah do not mind having the one-third representation in Dewan Negara. It will be a good gesture and a starting point for the realisation of the promise of one-third representation in Parliament.

“People of Sarawak and Sabah should ask for one-third representation in both Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara. That is what genuine partnership means,” he emphasised.

On Sept 15, news portal FMT reported that an advocacy group, Projek Sama, has proposed giving 15 additional Senate seats each for Sabah and Sarawak to ensure one-third veto power to block any unilateral constitutional amendments by Peninsular Malaysia.

It said the proposal, dubbed Dewan Negara 35/100, would give East Malaysia 35 per cent of Senate seats and ensure that Sabah and Sarawak have a stronger voice in the legislative process. — DayakDaily