By DayakDaily Team
KOTA KINABALU, Sept 11: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to announce interim measures related to Sarawak’s claims during the Malaysia Day celebrations in Kuching on Sept 16.
In a TVS news report, he said he would continue discussions with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg over the next few days to work out the details.
“Hopefully, on Sept 16, (during the) Malaysia Day (celebration) in Kuching, I will also be able to announce interim measures for Sarawak,” he said at a press conference after the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) meeting here today.
According to Anwar, Sarawak also put forward its views on a formula to determine payments or a settlement related to the state’s claims.
He said the formula should take into account the country’s financial position, the government’s capacity, and the minimum and maximum amounts that could be considered.
“I agree and have asked the Ministry of Finance and the Sarawak Ministry of Finance to discuss the introduction of a formula,” he said.
Anwar earlier said that although Sarawak’s claims do not fall under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution in the same context as Sabah’s claims, the same spirit should be taken into consideration.
He said the federal government was committed to finding a solution that took into account both parties’ positions.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari welcomed the agreement to introduce a formula that takes into account the financial position of both the federal and State governments in resolving matters related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), based on a ‘win-win’ approach.
“If our country is doing well, naturally the federal government will be doing well too. If things are not going well, we must also acknowledge that reality. More importantly, we need to ensure the country’s financial stability,” he said.
Abang Johari said the approach would help ensure that matters related to MA63 were implemented in an orderly manner while taking into account the interests of all parties.
At the same time, the Sarawak Premier also welcomed the federal government’s approach of viewing the implementation of the MA63 as a national commitment.
He said MA63 should not be viewed solely as an issue involving Sabah and Sarawak, but in the broader context of Malaysia’s overall development and future. — DayakDaily
