By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 19: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has cautioned against rushing proposed climate change legislation, stressing that Sarawak’s constitutional rights and control over carbon resources must be safeguarded amid emerging green economy policies.
He said Sarawak will continue to independently manage carbon trading, which he described as part of the State’s land heritage and sovereign rights.
“Carbon trading is a new matter. Initially, the federal government wanted to take it from us, but I told them land is Sarawak’s right. Carbon trading is part of the heritage of Sarawak’s land. You take it, you breach the agreement, our constitutional right.
“Alhamdulillah, the federal government agreed to exclude Sabah and Sarawak. So now, we manage our own carbon trading,” he said when speaking at the closing ceremony of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Convention 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
He also warned that climate change policies currently being considered must be carefully aligned with existing arrangements on carbon management and State jurisdiction.
“Climate change has a link with carbon trading. Trees on Sarawak land are ours. I am worried they may also try to take this,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is also GPS chairman, further said that while carbon trading operates on a sovereign-to-sovereign basis between Malaysia and foreign countries, any carbon tax framework must take into account Sarawak’s role in carbon resource management.
“That is why we in GPS are cautious in looking at the changes happening in the new economy. God willing, the leadership in GPS will prioritise our rights in Sarawak. This is something we must carry out.
“Do not rush. If we rush, it will be bad. We must study this properly according to the existing legal framework,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
