KUCHING: Any federal legislation affecting Sarawak’s constitutional rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) should be subject to meaningful consultation with the Sarawak Government before being tabled in Parliament, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman, Wilfred Yap Sau Sin.
Backing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent remarks in Sibu that MA63 is the foundation upon which Malaysia was formed, Yap said Sarawak’s constitutional rights must be respected not only in principle but throughout the federal legislative process.
He said any proposed federal law that could affect Sarawak’s constitutional rights, legislative competence or special safeguards under MA63 should first be discussed with the State government.
“This is not a political demand. It is a constitutional obligation arising from the very terms upon which Sarawak helped form Malaysia in 1963,” he said in a press statement today.
Yap said respect for MA63 should go beyond speeches and policy announcements and be demonstrated through genuine consultation before laws are drafted and introduced in Parliament.
According to him, such engagement reflects respect for the constitutional partnership between the Federation and Sarawak while strengthening confidence in the country’s system of cooperative federalism.
He also stressed that members of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly have a responsibility to scrutinise federal policies and legislation that may affect the state’s constitutional position.
“As elected representatives, we are entrusted not only to legislate but also to perform an important check and balance function,” he said.
Yap added that early consultation would allow constitutional issues to be addressed constructively, reduce the risk of legal disputes, and foster stronger cooperation between the Federal and Sarawak governments.
He emphasised that defending Sarawak’s constitutional rights should not be viewed as confrontational but as fulfilling the responsibilities enshrined in the Federal Constitution and MA63.
Yap also reaffirmed his support for Abang Johari’s efforts to safeguard Sarawak’s rights under MA63, saying he would continue to provide constructive checks and balances while speaking up on matters affecting the state’s constitutional interests.
He maintained that Sarawak’s rights under MA63 are constitutional guarantees that must be respected, protected and upheld, rather than privileges or concessions granted by the federal government.
