Taib urged to end 1966 ‘emergency’ proclamation
(FMT) – KUCHING: The April 16 decision by Sarawakians to deliver three seats to PKR was a indication of acceptance, according to national vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Clearly thrilled at the delivery, especially since PKR contested in the ‘most difficult and most remote constituencies’, she told FMT on the morning after ’416′ that ‘we must talk about the success…must push for change.’
Sarawak PKR chairman-cum lawyer, Baru Bian wrested Ba Kelalan from Barisan Nasional by a 473 vote majority.
His fraternity colleague and state PKR information chief See Chee How won Batu Lintang and Ali Biju wrested Krian.
The wins, albiet small, was a message to Chief Minister Taib Mahmud, that his administration must change its ways.
Nine days after ’416′, Izzah forwarded her requests to Taib asking him to urge Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak to end the Sarawak Proclamation of Emergency 1966.
She also urged Taib to ensure that that the Federal Government fullfil the terms detailed in the 18-point agreement and to compel Putrajaya to increase oil royalties to the state.
PKR under the Pakatan Rakyat coalition has been urging that the Federal Government to increase oil royalties to oil producing states in Malaysia to 20% per cent from the current 5%.
Congratulating Taib and Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) over having secured a two-third majority victory in the recent state election, Izzah said: “Even though polling was marred by incidences of electoral fraud as well as weaknesses in the electoral process by the Election Commission, I admit and honour the victory claimed by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB).
“Thus, to ensure continuity and consistency of the Pakatan national manifesto and our continued efforts to fulfil our promises, I call on the Chief Minister Taib Mahmud to fulfil three requests I have made in a letter sent to him on Monday,” said Nurul.
Recalcitrant federal government
Izzah who is the Lembah Pantai MP said that on March 24 she had submitted a private member’s bill entitled ‘Emergency Revocation Act’ calling for an end to an era of Emergency not only in Sarawak but throughout Malaysia.
“Unfortunately, even though the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nazri Aziz had agreed and had affirmed the readiness of the Attorney General to revoke the emergency proclamations, the federal government remains recalcitrant and unready to revoke these proclamations.
