Chan: Who are the “bold” ministers that challenged MA63 council’s decision?

23 Oct 2021

By Wartawan Nabalu News

KOTA KINABALU: DAP’s Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin has demanded to know who were the cabinet ministers daring enough to challenge the decision by the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63) special council that caused the delay in tabling of the constitutional amendment bill.

He said, the council not only comprised both the chief ministers of Sabah and Sarawak, it also included Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Law Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi has invited backbenchers from both sides of the political divide to attend the briefing of the proposed constitutional amendment bill. It means both sides are clear with the proposal.

Special council on MA63 has conducted a meeting three days ago, and according to Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili, the council has agreed with the proposed constitutional amendment presented by Wan Junaidi.

“Chief Ministers of Sabah and Sarawak were also present during the council’s meeting, which was chaired by Ismail Sabri.

“My question now: who are the ministers in the cabinet that are daring enough to ‘challenge’ the decision by MA63 special council which comprises of not just the PM, and both the CMs of Sabah and Sarawak?

“Why do we even need the AG to further explain the bill which is as clear as daylight with no ambiguity?

“The Sarawak State Elections are coming up and yet certain ministers within the cabinet still see it fit to throw a spanner at the good work of Wan Junaidi,” he said in a statement today.

Chan also questioned if there is an internal sabotage by ‘an enemy within’ that has caused the postponement.

“Whilst there is collective ministerial responsibility, it seems right now that the entire cabinet is being held ransom by a minority of ministers. I worry for the stability of the current federal government.”

The Bill was not included in the order paper for the next parliamentary meeting starting October 25.

Wan Junaidi previously said it was expected to be tabled in Parliament by end of this month.