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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 16: Sarawak may be accused of regionalism with its demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), but Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that the people of Sarawak simply seek to uphold their rights without infringing on the rights of others.
Abang Johari underlined that this aspiration represents the collective will of the entire Sarawakian population to ensure that Sarawak’s rights and privileges, as outlined in the Federal Constitution and MA63, are consistently honoured and implemented in accordance with the agreements reached by past independence leaders in 1963.
In this regard, he acknowledged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s commitment to prioritise Sarawak and Sabah’s development under the 12th Malaysia Plan while addressing MA63-related matters, which was expressed during the inaugural Cabinet meeting of the unity government held in Sarawak’s Wisma Bapa Malaysia earlier today.
“The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is grateful to the Federal government for demonstrating willingness to restore the rights of Sarawak and also Sabah, as specified in the Constitution and MA63, which have eroded over time.
“The Constitution has delineated matters under Federal jurisdiction (Federal List), state jurisdiction (State List) and shared jurisdiction (Concurrent List). The relationship between the Federal and State government shall be based on the country’s highest law,” he said when addressing the Malaysia Day celebration at the Indoor Stadium, Petra Jaya, tonight.
Abang Johari stressed that the division of powers does not mean that the Federation and the states cannot work together for common interests and mutual benefits.
For instance, he highlighted the successful cooperation between Sarawak and Petronas through the Commercial Settlement Agreement (CSA), which has facilitated mutually advantageous endeavours for the nation and Sarawak.
He further pointed out that federal authority can be devolved to the states administratively to expedite development at the state level, which is exemplified by recent initiatives, such as delegating authority for projects valued at less than RM50 million and granting recognition to the State Public Works Department (JKR) and the State Irrigation and Drainage Department as Technical Departments, that has enabled smoother and more rapid implementation of infrastructure projects and public facilities.
“In addition, there is the existence of State laws predating Malaysia’s establishment, like Sarawak’s Oil and Mining Ordinance (OMO) enacted in 1958.
“OMO 1958 was never cancelled to make way for the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA 1974) but continued to exist to control the development of oil resources in Sarawak. OMO 1958 and PDA 1974 should coexist in the spirit of a mutually beneficial, serving the interests of the State and the nation. When Sarawak and Sabah prosper, so does the entire nation,” he said.
Abang Johari reiterated that Sarawak and Sabah’s demands under MA63 do not hinder collaboration with Peninsular Malaysia, and the establishment of the unity government attests to the idea that differences need not impede unity.
The Malaysia Day 2023 celebration was graced by the presence of acting Head of State Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and his wife, Puan Sri Fatimah Mohd Iskandar.
Anwar’s wife Dato Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail; Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang; Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and wife Datin Seri Juliah Salang; Minister of Communication and Digital Fahmi Fadzil and Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi as ministers-in-charge, as well as federal and Sarawak ministers, were present. — DayakDaily
