By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Jan 19: Under Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak is on the right track to claim back its eroded rights systematically, said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy Youth chief Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
“We have to do it one step at a time. We have to look at the Federal and State list. Then we can proceed to regain our rights from the State list and move from there, such as education and security. But we must do it one step at a time.
“The Chief Minister has started with the taxing of oil and gas resources which belongs to the State. Prior to this, I had raised the issue in the DUN (State Legislative Assembly) on what if the Federal Government did not come up with the 20 per cent oil royalty.
“And we, the youth have met with our chief minister on how to increase the income of Sarawak,” Fazzrudin told reporters at the Solidary Gathering held at Padang Merdeka this afternoon.
Fazzrudin pointed out that with the 5 per cent tax on oil and gas produced from Sarawak, the State was now having the financial capability to carry out its development agenda.
“Now having the financial capability, we can develop Sarawak without waiting for the Federal Government. But of course, we have to work closely with the Federal Government,” he said.
Fazzrudin pointed out that the fight for Sarawak’s rights was first started by former Chief Minister late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem in 2015.
“Then a working committee was formed and there were meetings upon meetings. In fact, we have gained autonomy in the administration which has been passed down to Sarawak. That’s under phase one.
“The next one would be to look into details of our rights which have been eroded. So, the committee continues to meet and now we heard that both our Chief Minster and the Prime Minister have met to further negotiate on our rights regarding MA63,” he said.
Fazzrudin reiterated that he has the full confidence in the Chief Minister to follow through the initiatives which was began by the late Tok Nan.
When asked for his presence at the gathering, the Tupong lawmaker said his presence was to lend support to for the struggles by Sarawakians to take back its rights.
“As long as it’s for the good of Sarawak, we will support, regardless of political and racial and religious divide, provided for within our constitution,” he said.
Meanwhile, five speakers at the gathering namely Abdul Kareem Abdul Rahman, Alexander Frederick Diglin, Suze Ukong, Sivaresan Sanmugalingam and Abdul Halim Hamdian touched on various rights under the Malaysia Agreement (MA 63) which have been violated and urged all Sarawakians to work together and fight for their return. — DayakDaily
