PARLIAMENT | The federal government tabled a bill today to amend Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution regarding the status of Sabah and Sarawak as states in the federation.
The new Clause (2) will specify all the constituent states of the federation by restoring, with modifications, the provision during the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
"This amendment is made in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement concluded in 1963.
"It satisfies the aspirations and hopes of the state governments of Sabah and Sarawak, and all the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
"This amendment does not, in any way, alter the functions of the federal and state governments under the concept of federalism," read the explanatory notes of the bill.
However, the explanatory notes added, the bill would involve "extra-financial expenditure" by the federal government, but the amount could not be ascertained for now.
The amendment will be a major political test for Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who currently commands the support of 139 MPs - nine short of passing the two-thirds threshold needed to amend the Federal Constitution.
Speaking to reporters today, Mahathir said the purpose of the amendment was to show that the federal government recognised Malaysia was formed by three entities - Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak.
"Because the constitution (currently) does not make that clear, we have to change the constitution. To do that, we need a two-thirds majority.
"If it is rejected by Sabah and Sarawak (lawmakers), then as far as this government is concerned, we are for it, but we don't have a two-thirds majority," he said.
Should Mahathir succeed, the Federal Constitution will be amended for the 58th time. The last amendment was made in 2009.
-Mkini
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