KUCHING: The former Sarawak state government had already begun talks with Putrajaya over the devolution of power in healthcare and education to the state, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
“Negotiations with the highest level in Putrajaya had already commenced,” Wan Junaidi told The Star, adding that there were technicalities to fulfil before the tabling of such an amendment in Parliament.
Negotiations between the caretaker state government and Putrajaya were held in the spirit of “friendship”, not enemies, he added.
“So, we must be sensitive to the feelings of others,” he said.
Wan Junaidi said it was in the interest of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) caretaker state government to ensure that the state had autonomy on issues such as healthcare and education.
He said he also agreed with a motion that was submitted by Pakatan Harapan MPs for the Federal Constitution to be amended for the devolution of power in healthcare and education matters to Sabah and Sarawak.
The three Pakatan MPs submitted a motion to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker to incorporate an amendment to the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution List IIIA to devolve healthcare and education matters to the state.
The motion, which was submitted by Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin, and Tuaran MP Madius Tangau, was rejected by Parliament.
“We must have some independence from the Federal Government on issues such as education and health,” stressed Wan Junaidi.
He said in order to maintain the independence of the Parliament, however, any affairs of the House would have to be decided by the Speaker’s Office and he, as the de facto law minister, could not interfere.
“I have said very clearly that I will not interfere with what happens inside the House and this is to allow independence in Parliament.”