By Reference is made to the statement by Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan who alleged that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has failed in fighting for the interest of Sarawak issued yesterday (Oct 19).
It is saddening to see the president of a local political party as well as a political veteran stoop so low and issue a sweeping statement that reflects his own ineptitude to understand and recognise the efforts of the GPS state government to return the eroded rights to Sarawak.
He had alluded to the inability to repeal laws that are deemed detrimental to Sarawak such as the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 74), Territorial Sea Act 2012 (TSA 2012) and the Continental Shelf Act 2016.
But what he did not recognise is the efforts by the GPS government in to push for a constitutional amendment whereby the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is now part and parcel of the Federal Constitution, effective earlier this year.
This was through amending Articles 1(2), 160(2), 161A (6), and 161A (7) Federal Constitution to give greater recognition to MA63 that gave dignity to Sabah and Sarawak being part of Malaysia.
This gave the basis for Sarawak as well as Sabah to pursue other rights such as demanding that matters promised under MA63 and the Inter-Governmental Committee Report (IGC) 1962 to be realised.
With the long list of achievements by the GPS government in restoring rights under MA63, it begs the question, what did PBK and the rest of the local opposition contribute to the restoration of state rights?
It is one thing to criticise, but its another to criticise without basis and just for the sake of criticising.
While Voon dismissed the notion that a strong federal government is good for Sabah and Sarawak, it must be asked, does PBK think that a “weak” federal government do us any good – one that is constantly mired in turmoil and always on the brink of collapse?
Or rather, would Voon and the PBK want the return of the 22-month failed Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government which consisted of DAP, which he is formerly of?
It has to be pointed out that local opposition and nationalist party such as PBK, if it were to win seats, it too requires them to partner up with parties from other states to form a federal government.
With PBK not wanting anything to do with Malaya, it would mean that it remains an opposition in the state – unable to deliver any meaningful change to the people of Sarawak.
If PBK does get the support of Sarawakians, what then?
Would the party fight for the restoration of eroded rights through its political influence in the federal government or would it just continue to express its grouses in the local media and the newspapers similar to every Tom, Dick and Harry?
What is the roadmap? What is the masterplan? What change can PBK deliver? These are lingering questions that demands answers.
V. Salang is a Think Sarawak reader. The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Think Sarawak.
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