KUCHING: Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Padungan) says the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2021 which seeks to change the designation of the ‘Chief Minister’ to ‘Premier’ is a redundant amendment that serves no practical purpose.
“We can support if there is at least some amendment to the Federal Constitution (FC), or agreement obtained by the state government from the federal government that the FC will be amended whereby the premier will be given additional power.
“… The status will be additional above that of chief minister or menteri besar,” he said in opposing the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2021 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Tuesday (Feb 15).
Chong noted that Sarawak’s power is provided in Schedule 9 of the Federal Constitution, and unless it was amended, the change in the title of ‘Chief Minister’ to ‘Premier’ “..does not affect and will not affect the power of the state.
“So, the practical impact is provided in Schedule 9 of the FC. Not the title, as it will serve no purpose and therefore, we cannot support the amendment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Violet Yong (DAP-Pending) who also opposed the Bill said it would involve the government in extra financial expenditure.
“We all know when this bill is passed and because of the title change in the Chief Minister of Sarawak to Premier of Sarawak and the Assistant Minister to Deputy Minister, bearing in mind, we have 26 Assistant Ministers and all of the letterhead, name cards, web site, signboards at offices, car plate of the Chief Minister, will require immediate change right?
“Definitely, a substantial amount of money will be spent by the state government to do the reprinting of all these items,” she said.
In addition, there will be courier charges to be incurred to send notices to inform the relevant ministries, department and agencies in Sarawak and all other states of the changes.
“As such, this bill will definitely involve the State government in extra financial expenditure,” she said.
