By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 22: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has come out in strong defence of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sarawak leaders, stressing that accusations of weak negotiations in securing State rights are baseless and unfair.
Addressing concerns raised by critics both in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, Anwar said the close and respectful relationship between the Federal and Sarawak governments which is grounded in mutual trust and shared goals, has helped to ease long-standing issues.
“In the Peninsula, there are still voices saying that I was forced or pressured into giving leeway to Sarawak to hold on to power. And here, there are small elite groups who attack Premier Abang Jo as if he’s not firm in negotiations.
“These people speak without facts and only stir unrest. But negotiations are never easy. We must stick to the principle that every region must progress—no town, village, or interior should be left behind in poverty while others enjoy prosperity,” he said when speaking during the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak Celebration 2025 gala dinner held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here this evening.
Anwar said it was precisely this sense of fairness and responsibility that led to the government’s decision to allocate the largest share of the national budget to Sabah and Sarawak, alongside other poorer states in the Peninsula—not due to pressure, but as a commitment to just and equitable governance.
He also dismissed attempts to politicise the unity and cooperation between the Unity Government and the Sarawak administration.
“It is not fair to give space to those attacking the Premier, Deputy Premiers and the Sarawak government as if they are being soft.
“I know this very well because I led the final stages of the negotiations. It was tough, because the Sarawak ‘panglima(s)’ are not only firm, but also uncompromising.
“But I understand—they are carrying the aspirations of the people. They want the long-standing feelings of neglect to be recognised and uplifted,” he stressed.
Anwar also acknowledged Sarawak’s efforts in pushing for the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), attributing the groundwork to none other than Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
“I must express my gratitude to Tun. He was the one who paved the way. I am only continuing what he initiated,” Anwar said. — DayakDaily
