Wan Junaidi explains why constitutional amendments are needed to fulfil MA63

Law Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the constitutional amendment bill currently being drafted has three goals.

These are:

1. To remedy stipulations in the Federal Constitution which have resulted in the misinterpretation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963;

2. To restore the rights of the people of Sabah and Sarawak, which have been eroded following constitutional amendments and new laws introduced after 1963; and

3. To realise what is stated in the Federal Constitution but not implemented completely.

Wan Junaidi (above) did not elaborate on any of the three goals.

The Federal Constitution does not make any reference to the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

However, the document contains chapters as well as schedules (appendix) specific to Sabah and Sarawak.

Special provisions for Sabah and Sarawak include Article 112C and Article 112D on grant payments to the two territories while Article 161 allows the legislatures of both territories to use English to conduct business.

'MA63 a treaty that cannot be changed'

Wan Junaidi said issues concerning the Malaysia Agreement 1963 are close to the hearts of people in Sabah and Sarawak, hence the matter would be subject to a constitutional amendment.

"This reflects the commitment of Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob's government to ensure the people of Sabah and Sarawak are not left behind and will enjoy the same rights as their friends in Peninsular Malaysia," he said.

He also explained that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 is a treaty that cannot be changed.

Yesterday, Wan Junaidi said he aims to convince the cabinet to agree to the bill on Oct 22 and then table the constitutional amendment bill on Oct 26.

At no time has Wan Junaidi, nor Putrajaya, revealed which article in the Federal Constitution would be amended. - Mkini