KUALA LUMPUR: Government backbenchers are optimistic that the Federal Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019 will receive a two-thirds majority vote from members of the Dewan Rakyat today.
The bill which will be presented by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, seeks to restore Sabah and Sarawak's status as regional territories.
The amendment would specify all the constituent States of the Federation by restoring, with modifications, the position of Clause (2) of Article 1 of the Federal Constitution during the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
Bandar Kuching federal lawmaker Dr Kelvin Yii told a media conference that the amendment would benefit not just Sabah and Sarawak but Malaysia as a whole.
"It is a historical day. Despite previous opposition even from within Pakatan Harapan (PH), our pure intention is to restore the status of Sabah and Sarawak which remained unchanged for 43 years.
"Now we want to correct what is wrong. It shows how much we value Sabah and Sarawak."
The bill is expected to be put to vote after the tabling.
If successful, the amendment can pave way to redefine Sabah and Sarawak's positions as regional territories, allowing greater autonomy over their respective administration on par with Peninsular Malaysia.
However, with the current composition of legislators and protest by those from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Bersatu Sabah (GBS) and Barisan Nasional, the government would be facing an uphill task in garnering two thirds of majority support from the house.
The amendment would require at least 148 votes from 222 federal lawmakers.
As of now, ruling party Pakatan Harapan has 127 MPs, its allies from Parti Warisan Sabah and United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation have 10, BN holds 40, PAS has 18, GPS has 18, GBS has three, United Sarawak Party has one and three independents.
The Sandakan parliamentary seat is currently vacant.