KUCHING, Dec 24: The Sarawak government will continue to hold negotiations with the Federal government to allow Sarawak representatives on the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), among other matters yet to be implemented based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) State government would also fight for the reinstatement of more of Sarawak’s eroded rights.
Autonomy and Sarawak’s rights, he said, is part of the 34-point GPS manifesto in which he bears heavy responsibility to fulfill in the next five years following the large mandate he received from the people.
“I am very confident as I believe with the strong support of the people of Sarawak, I and my colleagues in the government will be able to fulfill what has been promised in the manifesto.
“We have already recorded success when the Dewan Rakyat recently approved the amendment to the Constitution related to MA63 as proposed by Sarawak which gives equal rights to Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah as the three parties that have established Malaysia and thus recognise MA63 in the Constitution.
“Some successes have been achieved in the past to restore Sarawak’s eroded rights under the Constitution and MA63, including the power to impose Sales Tax on petroleum products or SST and also the recognition of Sarawak’s power under the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO 1958),” he said in a statement today.
While nothing is more important than the dignity and prestige of Sarawak, Abang Johari urged all Sarawakians to join forces and unite to place Sarawak in the highest position on the forefront of national development.
He said the strong mandate given to GPS in the recent State election showed the commitment of the people to unite in pursuing the dream of making Sarawak a high-income State by 2030.
“In the atmosphere and spirit of the happy, friendly and inclusive Sarawak Family, I call on our multi-racial, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society to continue to uphold the practice of respecting each other so that Sarawak continues to be respected on the national stage.
“With this opportunity, I would also like to wish a Happy New Year 2022 to all the people of Sarawak no matter where you are. I sincerely hope that the new year 2022 will bring more success to Sarawak and its people in developing themselves and their beloved State.
“Finally, once again I and my family wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2022.” — DayakDaily
