By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 1: A strong mandate for Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) is crucial for Sarawak to continue pursuing and reclaiming its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said Sarawak’s ability to regain powers under MA63 was supported by the State’s stronger financial position and economic growth, which had enabled it to undertake major initiatives such as the takeover of Bintulu Port.
Speaking at the PBB Special Convention for Betong Zone today, Abang Johari said the return of Bintulu Port to Sarawak demonstrated that the State was now in a stronger position to manage assets and exercise its rights.
“This is only the port. There are still other plans which I cannot announce today.
“As long as PBB remains strong and we understand MA63, Insya-Allah we will regain more powers under MA63,” he said during the event, which was broadcast live on the GPS Facebook page.
Abang Johari, who is also the PBB president, further said Sarawak must understand every detail of MA63, including the “small print” in the agreement, as the State continues efforts to restore its rights.
He explained that Bintulu Port was previously managed by the federal government as Sarawak at the time did not have the financial capacity to develop the facility, which was funded through a loan from the Asian Development Bank.
He said the decision by Sarawak’s leaders then to allow the federal government to manage the port was made based on the circumstances at that time, but the situation had since changed.
“Now the time has come for us to take over Bintulu Port because we have the means to do so,” he said.
Abang Johari said the initial valuation of Bintulu Port assets was more than RM4 billion, but Sarawak referred to the book value of RM1.1 billion as presented in Parliament during negotiations.
He said Sarawak eventually agreed to pay RM1.8 billion for the takeover after taking into account the goodwill value of the port’s established operations and commercial activities.
“We have economic knowledge. Sarawak can pay according to the book,” he said.
On preparations for the next State election, Abang Johari said PBB must continue strengthening its machinery by reviewing its achievements and weaknesses, likening the process to students preparing for examinations.
“When will the exam come? I do not know. Some say October, some say November, some say December. That is another matter.
“What is important is that PBB remains the backbone. GPS will defend all seats contested by PBB, and Insya-Allah, we will continue our policies to develop Sarawak into the most advanced region in Malaysia by 2030,” he emphasised.
Also present were PBB deputy presidents Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, PBB senior vice president Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, PBB permanent chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, PBB Women chief Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah and PBB Youth chief Datuk Martin Ben. — DayakDaily
