By Karen Bong
SIBU, July 22: Every Sarawakian, especially the younger generation, must read, study and examine the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in depth to understand and defend the rights of Sarawak.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said a thorough understanding of MA63 was crucial as the agreement formed the foundation of Sarawak’s position within the Federation of Malaysia and clearly outlined the division of powers between the Federal government and the Sarawak government.
Speaking during the Townhall Session with the Premier held in conjunction with the Sarawak Day celebration at University Technology of Sarawak (UTS) in Sibu, moderated by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Abang Johari said Sarawakians must be equipped with knowledge of the agreement to safeguard Sarawak’s rights.
“Therefore, to answer the question: read and understand the Malaysia Agreement 1963. To defend Sarawak’s rights, the younger generation must be well-versed in MA63. Otherwise, how can you fight for it?” he said in responding to a question from the audience.
He also called on universities, particularly those offering law programmes, to strengthen the study of MA63 in their curriculum.
“We must analyse every sentence for any hidden meanings, especially lawyers. That is why I suggested to Universiti Malaya and Unimas, which now have Law Faculties, that they must include the study of MA63 in their law curriculum so they understand it,” he said.
Abang Johari said a wider understanding of MA63 was also necessary among Malaysians in Peninsular Malaysia, as a lack of awareness sometimes made negotiations between Sarawak and the federal government more challenging.
“Every Malaysian must understand MA63 and what is listed within it,” he said.
He also advised young people to use artificial intelligence tools responsibly when researching MA63, reminding them that such tools should complement rather than replace human understanding.
“Do not rely entirely on ChatGPT. Sometimes ChatGPT gets things wrong because it consolidates statements and facts automatically. Artificial intelligence cannot match human intelligence.
“Use it as a research tool, but once you master MA63, Sarawak’s future will be safe in your hands,” he said.
Abang Johari said Malaysia was formed based on a federal system involving the Federation of Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah and Singapore following consultations with the people of the territories involved. Sarawak’s agreement to join the federation then resulted in constitutional safeguards being enshrined under MA63 to protect its rights.
However, he said some of these rights had eroded over time, prompting the State government to pursue devolution of power to restore Sarawak’s authority.
He cited Bintulu Port as an example, saying Sarawak had reclaimed control of the port after decades under federal administration. He explained that the port was initially developed by the federal government in the late 1970s when Sarawak lacked the financial capacity to support the LNG industry, following an agreement between then Chief Minister Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub and then Prime Minister Tun Hussein Onn.
“Now, we have the financial capability to take over Bintulu Port ourselves. Based on our Constitution and Sarawak’s rights, we wanted to take back Bintulu Port. We reclaimed it and reimbursed the assets that were developed.
“Consequently, Bintulu Port now belongs to Sarawak and is no longer under federal jurisdiction,” he said.
Abang Johari said his administration’s actions were guided by a careful study of MA63 and the Malaysia Act 1963, which clarified the division of powers between the State and federal governments.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s implementation of the sales tax on petroleum products as another example of exercising its constitutional rights. After reviewing the relevant provisions, he instructed the State Attorney-General to proceed with the tax despite objections from PETRONAS, which argued that it was governed under the Petroleum Development Act (PDA).
“Which one is higher? The Constitution or an Act of Parliament?” he said, recounting his response.
The matter was eventually taken to court, with the decision favouring Sarawak and resulting in additional State revenue.
Abang Johari said the increased revenue, which grew Sarawak’s income from RM7 billion to RM14 billion, was being channelled back to the people through infrastructure development, road connectivity and education initiatives.
He said Sarawak must develop a globally competitive younger generation, adding that the State’s free tertiary education initiative, supported by RM260 million allocated this year, was aimed at ensuring Sarawakian students could compete internationally.
“This is not the end. There is more to come. Let me keep it under wraps for now, but there is definitely more,” he said. — DayakDaily
