SARAWAK ASSEMBLY Sarawak state assembly speaker Asfia Awang Nasar has rejected a motion on the state’s position in Malaysia and whether its rights have been eroded over the last 50 years.

NONE Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Sentosa, left ) filed the motion, stating that Umno has forgotten the principle and the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement.

This recognises Sarawak as an equal partner in the federation, with  special rights and autonomy.

    

"Umno's utter disregard... takes the form of unfair allocation of development funds for Sarawak, and even the ban on use of the word 'Allah' by Christians to refer to their God,” he said.

"It is thus timely and pertinent that the state legislative assembly takes a clear stand to remind those in power in (Peninsular) Malaysia of the equal partner status ... and the special rights and autonomy of Sarawak.”

He suggested that a special select bipartisan committee be set up to consider the terms of Malaysia Agreement and to recommend measures to make good and/or restore all the special rights of the state.

NONE Asfia (right) , in rejecting the motion today, said - among other reasons - it is likely to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility among the different communities in the state.

Chong, who then described the speaker as “unfair”, pointed out that the motion had not exposed the House to ridicule.

“I think a certain extent of criticism is acceptable ... (otherwise) what democracy are we talking about?

“The speaker may give his ruling and the majority may have their way in the House, but we the opposition, the minority, will have our say as well - not only in the House but also in public.”

Later, Chong told reporters that the speaker had cited a lot of grounds to throw out the motion.

“(But) how we are we going to address this issue that due to erosion of our rights, Sarawakians are looked upon as coolies by Umno leaders?” he asked, adding that the remaining issues in the motion were supplementary ones.

The writer, who uses a pseudonym, is based in Sarawak.