By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, April 1: Sarawak has been given assurance that all its claims will be considered fairly and equally in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the spirit of MA63.
The assurance was given by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at a state dinner hosted by the Sarawak government to welcome him.
“I have high hopes that the issues that arise (from Malaysia Agreement 1963) will be resolved in the best way and thus the relationship between the federal government and the Sarawak government will remain strong and become closer in the interest of the people,” said Muhyiddin in his speech.
He also took the opportunity to report on the latest progress with regards to the MA63 Special Council, a meeting of which he chaired on Dec 2, 2020 where three new working committees were set up, namely Allies Working Committee, Sabah and Sarawak Security Working Committee and Socio-Economic Working Committee.
“The establishment of these three working committees aims to recommend to the Special Council MA63 on proposed solutions to specific issues related to legislation for all related entities, state security and socio-economic matters in line with the rights of Sabah and Sarawak in the national legal framework.
“The three working committees have completed their first meeting for the first quarter of 2021,” said Muhyiddin.
He disclosed that there were several proposals involving amendments to the Federal Constitution on the rights of Sabah and Sarawak and these proposals are being looked into by the Allies Working Committee.
Matters related to immigration affairs, national registration, border control, illegal immigrants and the encroachment of foreign fishermen in the Exclusive Economic Zone, were discussed by the Sabah and Sarawak Security Working Committee, Muhyiddin said.
“In addition, matters related to the socio-economic development of Sarawak such as poverty issues, road infrastructure, health infrastructure, education infrastructure, Internet access and telecommunications, stamp duty imposed on transfer instruments, charges and land rent under the Ordinance Sarawak land and special grants to Sarawak under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution were also discussed by the Socio-Economic Working Committee,” said Muhyiddin.
He said these three working committees will present reports and recommendations at the MA63 Special Council meeting which he will chair next week. — DayakDaily
