-K. Siladass, January 25, 2018.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has assured Sarawakians that their rights which had been eroded over the years could be discussed; or to use the language so reported: “No problem discussing with the Sarawak government the devolution of power and returning all constitutional rights that were eroded.” (Sunday Star, 24 December 2016). This is clear admission that there had been erosion of constitutional rights of the Sarawakians. What about the Sabahans?

In willing, or assuring, to discuss the devolution of power and returning the constitutional rights, Najib has imposed two conditions: firstly, there should be no talk of secession. Secondly, the people must support the Barisan Nasional.

First of all, the straight-forward admission that there had been erosion of constitutional rights would call for the return of those rights without any condition. Restoring their constitutional rights should not be subjected to any conditions. It is their rights, and the erosion was unconstitutional and no court of law would endorse such a blatant, and admitted, infringement.

If the Sarawakians are talking about secession, the question is: is it unique? The Johore Royal House too has sounded that secession might be a choice for the State to consider although never pursued. Najib has never addressed Johor secession issue at all. Secession may not be right answer to solve every or any problem that might arise between the State and the Federal Government or between states. But, the situation in Sarawak is different: in the sense there is a clear admission that their constitutional rights had been eroded; which means their rights should be returned, restored unconditionally.

The next condition Najib brazenly puts is that the people must support the Barisan Nasional. What has the restoration of constitutional rights got to do with supporting Barisan Nasional?

Is it Najib’s stand that if Sarawakians’ do not support BN, the eroded constitutional rights will not be returned. On the other hand, is he just telling the Sarawakians or the whole of Malaysia that wherever constitutional rights had been denied or eroded, they will be restored provided the Malaysian people support BN? Both questions need clear answer. Both conditions are fraught with political gimmicks. And Malaysians are accustommed to such strange antics.

(This was written soon after The Star carried the story, but was lost. Now returned and shared.)