By Amanda L
KUCHING, Jan 14: Defending Sarawak’s rights begins with a proper understanding of history and the nation’s constitutional structure, as many in the younger generation today remain unaware of the foundations that safeguard the rights of Sarawak and Sabah, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking at the ‘Townhall 9 Tahun Bersama YAB Premier Sarawak’ held at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) in Kuching last night (Jan 13), Abang Johari said this lack of historical and constitutional awareness has led to misunderstandings surrounding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the rights enshrined under it.
He stressed that Sarawak would not compromise in defending its rights under MA63, emphasising that the State is not seeking additional privileges but merely what it is rightfully entitled to under the agreement.
“We are not asking for more. We are asking for what is already our right under MA63. We will continue to fight to ensure these rights are preserved and respected,” he said.
Abang Johari explained that MA63 is central to the formation of Malaysia and must be properly understood, particularly by younger Malaysians. He pointed out that one of the key provisions of the agreement concerns parliamentary representation.
“Sarawak and Sabah are entitled to one third of the seats in Parliament because we are part of the formation of Malaysia. Without Sarawak and Sabah, Malaysia would not exist as it does today,” he said.
He added that respecting this provision is essential to ensuring fairness within the federal system and upholding the spirit of the agreement reached during the formation of the nation.
The Premier cautioned that failure to take MA63 rights seriously could undermine justice within Malaysia’s federal structure, while reaffirming Sarawak’s commitment to balanced and equitable development and stressing that safeguarding these rights is essential for long term stability and fairness for the nation as a whole. — DayakDaily
