KUCHING, Feb 9: The federal government under Pakatan Harapan (PH) does not seem to be giving up their attempts to erode Sarawak’s rights, opines Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.
Responding to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent speech in Sibu, Masing agreed that Sarawak’s immigration autonomy is non-negotiable and the Sarawak Land Code is the state law which should not be merged with the National Land Code.
“First, the Malayans question our immigration autonomy by complaining of the need to fill immigration forms when entering Sarawak. A few PH (Pakatan Harapan) Members of Parliament debated this during the parliamentary (sitting) last year. They have ridiculed Sarawak’s immigration autonomy and complained on how tedious and ridiculous to use passport when travelling within the same country.
“Sarawak immigration autonomy is our right, therefore Abang Johari had answered them correctly by saying, ‘if such entry is troublesome, then don’t come!’,” Masing asserted.
Masing also believed that if the Sarawak Land Code and National Land Code were to merge, it will be easier for Putrajaya to exploit Sarawak’s assets including oil and gas.
“At the same time, the federal government via Petronas has challenged Sarawak to exercise our constitutional rights over our oil and gas in court, to which our chief minister said we will fight them tooth and nail on this issue,” Masing highlighted.
Meanwhile, Masing claimed that Sarawakian PH lawmakers have been silent about these issues, making it seem like they are afraid of going against their federal leaders or ‘takut lawan boss in Putrajaya,’ in fear of losing their positions.
“Therefore, it is critical and important that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) must win in the coming 12th state election. Losing is not an option for us,” Masing emphasised. — DayakDaily
