By William Isau
SIBU, Jan 26: The notion that Sarawak needs to send the opposition to Parliament to fight for Sarawak’s rights is false, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Johari Tun Openg.
“Being an independent political platform, GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) is the only true defender of Sarawak’s rights and privileges under the Constitution and MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963) while others are subject to the wishes of their non-Sarawak based party leaders,” Abang Johari said.
The Premier said this at the United Chinese Association Sibu Division Chinese New Year Gathering here last night,
His speech text was read out by his representative, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdulllah.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari pointed out GPS has made significant achievements to restore Sarawak’s status in the spirit of MA63, including reinstating equal status to Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia as parties to the formation of Malaysia following the amendment of Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution.
Other achievements include regaining oil and gas (O&G) rights leading to the Commercial Settlement Agreement (CSA) with Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and full control over onshore O&G, recognition of Sarawak’s rights to charge State Sales Tax, and getting gas distribution rights and deep sea fishing licensing rights for Sarawak.
Among those present at the gathering were Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib and federal Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri. — DayakDaily
