PBS and LDP back name change to ‘Premier’
Published on: Thursday, May 02, 2024
By: Iskandar Dzulkifli
Ruslan and Ong
BEAUFORT: At least two Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) components have thrown their weight to the proposal for the post of Sabah Chief Minister to be renamed as “Premier” consistent with “Borneo Voice” partner Sarawak in asserting the state’s status as one among three equal partners in the Malaysian federation.
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Vice President Datuk Ruslan Muharam, who is also Lumadan Assemblyman, said this would accurately reflect Sabah’s status as a territory within Malaysia.
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“It is understood this will be tabled at the State Legislative Assembly sitting in July, along with three other Bills,” Ruslan said at the Koperasi Waja Nabahan Group and Coop Mart Hari Raya Aidilfitri ceremony.
“I fully endorse this effort to demonstrate Sabah’s position as a ‘partner’ in the formation of Malaysia, consistent with the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63),” he added, noting that the only other fourth partner no longer around was Singapore which was allowed to exit the federation in 1965.
Sarawak officially changed its head of government to “Premier” in March 2022 after the passing of the Constitution Amendment Act reinstating the Borneo states to the situation at the formation in 1963.
Sarawak also changed its Deputy Chief Minister’s title to Deputy Premier and Assistant Minister to Deputy Minister. Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the status is equivalent to that of Deputy Prime Minister.
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He said this was also instructed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim through the Federal Cabinet and subsequent circulars by the Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) to all members of the Federal civil service.
The constitution was amended in 1976 to change the status of both states as the 13th and 14th states of the federation, which remained a contentious issue ever since.
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The amendment was pushed through parliament a month after MA63 signatory Tun Fuad Stephens was killed in an air crash in Sembulan, here. Co-signatory Tun Mustapha Harun and a few other MPs boycotted the passing of the amendment by abstaining.
LDP Vice President David Ong said the proposal reflects Sabah’s historical significance and embodies the will of the people of Sabah who have long sought recognition of the State’s unique status.
“Aligning the title to ‘Premier’ serves as a testament to Sabah’s historical and political identity while preserving and promoting Sabah’s distinctiveness within the Federation.
“It is not merely a matter of semantics but a crucial step towards affirming Sabah’s rightful place within Malaysia. It also underscores Sabah’s commitment to upholding its rights and pursuing its interests under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“Moreover, it is in line with international standards observed in Commonwealth countries like Australia and Canada and enhances Sabah’s standing on the global stage.
“The term ‘Premier’ carries connotations of autonomy and leadership, befitting Sabah’s position as one of the three territories and not one of the 13 states in Malaysia,” he said.
“It will also shape the future of younger generations, ensuring they inherit a Sabah that is confident, respected and empowered within Malaysia.”
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