KUCHING: Negotiations for the second stage over devolution of powers from the Federal Government to Sarawak are still on-going, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
Nancy said a technical committee formed at the state level to deliberate on the matter had submitted a technical report over their discussions to the Attorney General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali three months ago.
The second of the third stage of the negotiations dwell on the state's rights, which might had been encroached by the federal government on state powers and on constitutional matters.
“The Attorney General (AG) may require some time to look into the technical report (before handing over to the Steering Committee formed at the Federal level).
“Apart from the Federal and State Constitutions, there are also other matters that need to be looked into by the AG since it involves state affairs.
“It is a complicated process since there are many laws involved and requires much research and analysis,” said Nancy after she handed over Deepavali goodies to 50 recipients at the Indian Association Kuching Hall here today.
Nancy, who is also the co-chairman of the Steering Committee formed to assist talks on devolution of powers to Sarawak and Sabah, was asked on the progress of the negotiations. The other chairman of the Steering Committee is Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.
“This is an on-going effort and the Federal Government has been accommodating to Sarawak.
“Thus far, we have not stumbled upon any matters that are political in nature in the negotiations,” she said.
Nancy, who is also the Batang Sadong Member of Parliament, added that 13 provisions of administrative empowerment granted by the Federal Government to Sarawak last year have been exercised as agreed.