COMMENT | Somehow, I feel vindicated. Following the initial backlash I received on my article “Are Sabahans, Sarawakians, only good as No 2?” published in Malaysiakini recently, I am glad that many of my fellow Sarawakians also share my views.
Initially, there were negative remarks such as “Don’t dream, Sarawak will always be No 2. Be contented”, “Do you have the numbers to become PM?”, and “Sorry, you are not even No 2”.
As a writer, I do not expect readers to agree with everything I wrote nor share my thoughts or sentiments on certain issues because only a fool will agree with you all the time. I do appreciate serious and sincere rebuttals.
There is one Malaysiakini reader in particular whom I wish to thank. He goes by the pen-name “Prudent”. His was the most logical and sensible reaction, one which has become the subject of this article.
Prudent commented: “If Sabah and Sarawak are re-designated as ‘territories’ and not merely the 12th and 13th state in Malaysia, then their chief ministers can be re-designated as ‘premiers’ - same title as Lee Kuan Yew when Singapore was part of Malaysia.
Certain devolution of powers to Sabah and Sarawak as per the Malaysia Agreement can be enacted. Of course, there is no question of Sabahans and Sarawakians being only good for No 2 as alleged. If Parliament so willed, any MP can be No 1, including any MP from Sabah and Sarawak.”
I agree wholeheartedly. I have not thought of that option. It’s definitely better than the so-called Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) promise of creating a second deputy prime minister’s post for Sabah and Sarawak if it wins the forthcoming 14th general election.
Being No 2 to No 2
Let me say this again. What is there to gloat about when you are a mere No 2 to the No 2? That is no giant step forward. It’s an insult to the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
A senior Sarawak DAP leader whom I met this week said that he did not agree with the creation of a second deputy prime minister’s post. When I mentioned the option of “the prime minister of Sarawak and Sabah”, he agreed that it was a better idea.
Yes, re-designate the post of chief minister to prime minister. Lest we forget, both the state BN and Harapan leaders have given a tacit understanding to revisit the Malaysia Agreement (MA63). So whichever party comes to power after GE14 should seriously consider this new option.
In the case of Sarawak, it was the late chief minister Adenan Satem who rightly pointed out in no uncertain terms that Sarawak agreed to join the new nation of Malaysia as a territory and not as the 13th state.
“Sarawak wants to be treated as an equal partner and it is only fair that the rights of Sarawak as stated in MA63 be given back because it is only just and fair to adhere to the terms of the agreement.” Adenan had gone on record in making that statement, the strongest and most vocal demand to come from a Sarawak BN leader thus far.
If the head of government of Sarawak or Sabah remains a lowly chief minister, then it’s the same rank as that of the chief minister of tiny Malacca and Penang...