By Peter Sibon
SIBU, March 6: Sarawak’s original status as one of the three regions in the formation of the Federation of Malaysia based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is as good as restored, revealed Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the agreement was made during the first Special Cabinet Committee (Steering Committee) to Review MA63 on Dec 17 last year.
“We have agreed that there are three regions (namely Sarawak, Sabah and the Peninsular). This was agreed upon during the first meeting,” Abang Johari told members of the media after giving the keynote address at a dialogue session with Sibu businessmen here today. The event was organised by the Sarawak Chamber and Commerce and Industry (SCCI) (Sibu Region).
When asked when the status of Sarawak as a region would be officially announced, Abang Johari said he would leave it to the federal government.
As for the second meeting of the Special Cabinet Committee (Steering Committee) to Review MA63, which was held in Putrajaya yesterday, he said the details would be relayed to the people once everything is finalised.
“I will let you know when it’s concrete after the amendment in the Federal Constitution as it’s now still under discussion,” he said, adding that it would be taken up by the Technical Committee for an in-depth study before it is discussed at the next meeting.
On yesterday’s meeting in Putrajaya, Abang Johari said it was a good and fruitful meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The Special Cabinet Committee (Steering Committee) to Review MA63 was set up to restore the status of Sarawak and Sabah as equal partners in the formation of Malaysia. — DayakDaily
