(Kuching, 31st) Sarawak People's Party (PRS) Youth Chief Christopher Gira Sambang has suggested that the core contents of Malaysia's nation-building history and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) should be taught more comprehensively in the national school curriculum.
He issued a statement today in response to recent inaccuracies discussed about MA63 in the "Keluar Sekejap" podcast program.
Gira stated that constructive discussions about MA63 are welcome, as they help raise public awareness, but such discussions must be based on historical facts, the Federal Constitution, as well as official documents including MA63, the Inter-Governmental Committee Report (IGC Report), and the Cobbold Commission Report.
He emphasized that facts should not be selectively interpreted or misrepresented, so as to avoid misleading the public.
He said, "For PRS, the immediate priority is not just to debate history, but to ensure the full implementation of the rights and responsibilities agreed upon in the MA63. The progress achieved through negotiation between the federal and Sarawak governments should continue until all outstanding issues are resolved."
At the same time, he suggested that the history of Malaysia's formation and the main clauses of MA63 be taught more comprehensively in the national school curriculum.
"The younger generation of Malaysians should understand how Malaysia was formed on September 16, 1963, the roles played by the Federation of Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah, and at the time, Singapore, as well as the rights and responsibilities conferred by MA63."
He pointed out that education based on historical facts and constitutional principles will allow students to understand the foundation of the nation more accurately.
He said, "As PRS Youth Chief, I firmly believe that education is the most effective way to strengthen national unity. When Malaysians understand the true history of the country's founding, they will better cherish the federal spirit, respect a pluralistic society, and understand the constitutional rights and responsibilities of different regions within the federation."
"PRS will continue to use constitutional means, historical truth, and the spirit of MA63 to uphold and defend Sarawak's rights, ensuring Malaysia continues developing as a fair, strong, and united federation."
He made this response following a statement earlier by Senator Dato Robert Lau, who had criticized the aforementioned podcast program for containing misunderstandings when discussing Malaysia's federal system, the historical background of MA63, and especially the offshore natural resources such as oil rights of Sarawak and Sabah.
Lau believes the program was based on a mistaken understanding of the nation's founding history, which could distort public understanding of the constitutional status of Sarawak and Sabah.
Gira stated that constructive discussions about MA63 are welcome, as they help raise public awareness, but such discussions must be based on historical facts, the Federal Constitution, as well as official documents including MA63, the Inter-Governmental Committee Report (IGC Report), and the Cobbold Commission Report.
He emphasized that facts should not be selectively interpreted or misrepresented, so as to avoid misleading the public.
He said, "For PRS, the immediate priority is not just to debate history, but to ensure the full implementation of the rights and responsibilities agreed upon in the MA63. The progress achieved through negotiation between the federal and Sarawak governments should continue until all outstanding issues are resolved."
At the same time, he suggested that the history of Malaysia's formation and the main clauses of MA63 be taught more comprehensively in the national school curriculum.
"The younger generation of Malaysians should understand how Malaysia was formed on September 16, 1963, the roles played by the Federation of Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah, and at the time, Singapore, as well as the rights and responsibilities conferred by MA63."
He pointed out that education based on historical facts and constitutional principles will allow students to understand the foundation of the nation more accurately.
He said, "As PRS Youth Chief, I firmly believe that education is the most effective way to strengthen national unity. When Malaysians understand the true history of the country's founding, they will better cherish the federal spirit, respect a pluralistic society, and understand the constitutional rights and responsibilities of different regions within the federation."
"PRS will continue to use constitutional means, historical truth, and the spirit of MA63 to uphold and defend Sarawak's rights, ensuring Malaysia continues developing as a fair, strong, and united federation."
He made this response following a statement earlier by Senator Dato Robert Lau, who had criticized the aforementioned podcast program for containing misunderstandings when discussing Malaysia's federal system, the historical background of MA63, and especially the offshore natural resources such as oil rights of Sarawak and Sabah.
Lau believes the program was based on a mistaken understanding of the nation's founding history, which could distort public understanding of the constitutional status of Sarawak and Sabah.