PSB fears MA63 will remain a 'footnote' in govt-Harapan deal
Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) is not convinced that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) inked between the government and Pakatan Harapan will restore Sarawak's rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Its president Wong Soon Koh expressed fear that the "MA63 is very much a footnote in the subject compromise between Harapan and the ruling coalition, with Sarawakians in danger of being taken for granted".
He drew the conclusion from...
Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) is not convinced that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) inked between the government and Pakatan Harapan will restore Sarawak's rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Its president Wong Soon Koh expressed fear that the "MA63 is very much a footnote in the subject compromise between Harapan and the ruling coalition, with Sarawakians in danger of being taken for granted".
He drew the conclusion from the 17-page deal, which stated the matter of great importance to the Borneo state in one paragraph.
The deal wrote: "(To) strengthen efforts towards the implementation of the items enshrined in MA63 and related documents".
Wong (above) pointed out that the provision is scant on details save that "efforts" will be made towards MA63.
"The clause as it is sounds like rhetoric at best not unlike the 'Wilayah Sarawak' promises of the eighth prime minister. Indeed, if we do not know what the contents are, how can PSB sign, lest agreeing to them?" he said in a statement today.
Wong added that without knowledge of details, an informed decision cannot be made.
"As rightly pointed out by Warisan Youth chief Mohd Azis Jamman, opposition parties outside of Harapan should not be made 'rubber stamps' in the MOU.
"The president of PSB is also not a mere 'rubber stamp' or a ‘Yes-man’," he said.
"There are matters of significance to the Borneo states which are not in the consciousness of West Malaysians," he added.
As such, Wong said he wishes to put on record that his party was not a signatory to the MOU nor was it invited to participate in the negotiation of the deal from the beginning.
However, he said PSB will support any genuine reforms that are good for the country and people in line with what Harapan had proposed.
"As for our position on upcoming bills (tabled in the Dewan Rakyat), we will maintain an open mind and as is our objective, we will support any bills that will benefit the people and promote greater democracy, transparency and equality in the country."
PSB has two parliamentarians - Selangau MP Baru Bian and Sri Aman MP Masir Kujat.
On Sept 13, the government and Harapan inked a deal dubbed the Memorandum of Understanding on Transformation and Political Stability.
The deal essentially will see Harapan take an undertaking not to obstruct the government on critical votes in Parliament that could have an implication on its survival, such as the budget.
In exchange, the government will undertake a number of policy decisions and reform efforts advocated by Harapan.
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