KUCHING, Nov 17: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg’s winding-up speech on Sarawak’s rights today was labeled as ‘punchy’ and ‘no holds barred’.
Stating that the CM was firm and clear to understand, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri James Masing said it is high time for Putrajaya recogised the 54 years of frustrations experienced by Sarawakians concerning the promises of MA63 which were said in very explicit terms by Abang Johari.
“It will do well for the federation of Malaysia, if Putrajaya listens carefully to what was being expressed. I tip my hat for his sincerity and honesty in saying what are Sarawak rights which have been denied to us in the last 54 years,” Masing said.
In his winding-up speech today, among the issues Abang Johari raised was the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974 which gave Petronas the right to explore and mine for petroleum in Sarawak.
He stressed that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) has not been amended by all the signatory parties — the Federation of Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah and the United Kingdom.
He said that the federal government alone on its own cannot amend MA63 because it is an international treaty, and therefore Sarawak will continue to exert its rights under the MA63. — DayakDaily
