By Karen Bong, Ling Hui and Cornelius Kadir Edison
KUCHING, April 2: The Special Council on Malaysia Agreement 1963 is expected to meet in the middle of this month to hear from the three working committees comprising representatives from Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah so as to deliberate and progress matters further.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin reiterated that all claims from Sarawak and Sabah will be treated and considered fairly and equally in accordance with matters which have been agreed in Malaysia Agreement (MA63).
“That’s why the Special Council is important which reflects the commitment and sincerity of the PN (Perikatan Nasional) government to resolve some of the long-standing issues.
“A meeting (under the Special Council) will be called and if I am not mistaken it is in the middle of this month which I will chair to get reports from the three working committees and will be attended by leaders from Sarawak and Sabah as well,” he said at a press conference after checking on upgrading work at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) today.
Marking the end of his two-day official visit to Sarawak today, Muhyiddin reassured that he will provide the necessary support and help to ensure the State achieves more rapid development in the next 10 years.
“The main developments which need attention in Sarawak will be implemented and accelerated in the 12MP (12th Malaysia Plan) starting with the first rolling plan and will be considered in subsequent rolling plans especially infrastructure development such as the Pan Borneo Highway and digital infrastructure.
“Even though the list (of development needs) is long, we are aware that Sarawak needs to be equipped with all the necessary and basic infrastructure as fast as possible,” he said.
Muhyiddin added that he now has in-depth understanding of the needs of the people of Sarawak following the many lengthy meetings and discussions with State party leaders and community leaders over the past two days.
“It is something I will focus on and I am confident of the leadership of Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) and with the close relationship with the federal government under my leadership, Sarawak will be able to achieve more rapid development in the next 10 years to become the most advanced region in Malaysia.
“In general, Sarawak will continue to progress and advance and I am confident that people in Sarawak are satisfied and hopefully will continue to support the present leadership,” he added.
During his visit to SGH, Muhyiddin was accompanied by Abang Johari, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister for Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Works Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof and State Health director Dr Chin Zin Hing, among others. — DayakDaily
