DAP Sarawak Vice Chairman questions PM's promise of devolution of power to Sarawak
I propose that our Sarawak DAP in the next DUN sitting should debate the proposed devolution of power in DUN.
Having read the proposed devolution of power for Sarawak last September 16, I am is still doubtful. Devolution of power always refers to a unitary state giving away power to its provincial government. In a federal system, I would believe PM Najib meaning of devolution may mean decentralization of power to state government.
But we have to read the statement by PM carefully as he is talking about devolution of administrative power in terms of award of contracts or decision in projects. Even then, such a decision is still to be decided by both federal and state agencies.
If the so called devolution is only to facilitate award of contracts through state agencies, then it only addresses the grievances among BN connected contractors. It means nothing to the general public. We the public feel nothing.
Also it appears to me PM is merely talking about delegating federal power to the state government and not sincere in relinquishing any real administrative power to Sarawak and Sabah.
DAP Sarawak has been very consistent in demanding the Federal Government to adhere to the original Malaysia Agreement 1963 as to that certain powers due to our state must be returned.
This requires constitutional changes to restructure power arrangement between state and federal. PM is only talking about devolution of administrative powers, not constitutional changes.
The Rakyat must know that delegated power can be cancelled anytime and constitutional power transferred through constitutional means stays forever. Adenan's call to study it via Government departments is a cautious move at best but the political will to move forward with constitutional changes must be done.
We need to ask PM to tell us what is the form of devolution he wants to give. Is it pure administrative or constitutional changes?
I propose that our Sarawak DAP in the next DUN sitting should debate the proposed devolution of power in DUN.
Having read the proposed devolution of power for Sarawak last September 16, I am is still doubtful. Devolution of power always refers to a unitary state giving away power to its provincial government. In a federal system, I would believe PM Najib meaning of devolution may mean decentralization of power to state government.
But we have to read the statement by PM carefully as he is talking about devolution of administrative power in terms of award of contracts or decision in projects. Even then, such a decision is still to be decided by both federal and state agencies.
If the so called devolution is only to facilitate award of contracts through state agencies, then it only addresses the grievances among BN connected contractors. It means nothing to the general public. We the public feel nothing.
Also it appears to me PM is merely talking about delegating federal power to the state government and not sincere in relinquishing any real administrative power to Sarawak and Sabah.
DAP Sarawak has been very consistent in demanding the Federal Government to adhere to the original Malaysia Agreement 1963 as to that certain powers due to our state must be returned.
This requires constitutional changes to restructure power arrangement between state and federal. PM is only talking about devolution of administrative powers, not constitutional changes.
The Rakyat must know that delegated power can be cancelled anytime and constitutional power transferred through constitutional means stays forever. Adenan's call to study it via Government departments is a cautious move at best but the political will to move forward with constitutional changes must be done.
We need to ask PM to tell us what is the form of devolution he wants to give. Is it pure administrative or constitutional changes?
Leon Donald
DAP Sarawak Vice Chairman
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