Borneo MPs mull forming caucus to put pressure on Putrajaya

MPs from Sabah and Sarawak are mulling the formation of a caucus as a platform for political cooperation on matters concerning the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the choosing of a prime minister.

This was among the outcomes of a briefing for Sabah and Sarawak MPs yesterday by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Maximus Ongkili.

“The Sabah and Sarawak MPs fully supported the idea that we should have a common voice to safeguard and to implement the tenets and cornerstones of MA63 and a say on who should be the next prime minister,” said Ongkili, according to Borneo Post.

In Westminster-type democracies, lawmakers form loose groupings known as caucuses to pursue common policy or legislative interests.

Ongkili said the MPs also discussed forming a special select committee to monitor the implementation of recommendations by the special council on MA63, which has been endorsed by the cabinet and Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

One of the key recommendations of the special council was limiting Peninsular Malaysia to just 65 percent of Parliamentary seats - similar to when Malaysia was formed in 1963.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Maximus Ongkili

“We are satisfied with the reactions and feedback we received from the MPs, which came from both the government and opposition bloc. It was an interactive session.

“The next step will be to formalise political cooperation and potential working relationship among the Borneo parties.

“The issues raised are of public interest and are close to our hearts. This is the beginning and history in the making... the Borneon MPs want to make a difference on the direction and focus of Malaysian national politics,” he said. - Mkini