By Karen Bong
SRI AMAN, Oct 31: Sarawak will not back down in its pursuit of oil and gas rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), as it continues seeking greater control over strategic assets and industries that rightfully belong to the State, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said.
He stressed that Sarawak would continue defending its rights and pursuing greater ownership and control of its strategic resources, including the oil and gas industry.
“We will not back down when it comes to matters that fall under our rights pursuant to MA63. We will not retreat. ‘Agi idup, agi ngelaban’ (as long as we live, we continue to fight),” he said when officiating the Sarawakku Sayang programme for Sri Aman Division at the Sri Aman Sports Complex today, which was broadcasted live via Ukas Channel.
Abang Johari said Sarawak had already made significant progress in reclaiming greater control over its strategic economic assets, citing the takeover of Bintulu Port and Sarawak’s investment in Affin Bank.
“Bintulu Port was previously under Kuala Lumpur. Today, Bintulu Port belongs to Sarawak,” he said.
He also cited the Bakun hydroelectric project as another example of Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen its control over strategic resources and assets.
The Premier said there were many more assets and interests that Sarawak intended to take over, provided the State continued to receive strong support from its people.
“There are many more things we intend to take over, provided we have strong public support. The more Sarawakians stand behind us and our leadership, the more determined we will be to continue fighting for Sarawak,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s growing revenue and economic strength had enabled it to pursue greater development and return more benefits to its people.
He also urged Sarawakians to remain united, saying strong public support was important to ensure Sarawak could continue protecting its interests and advancing its economic position.
“We must look after our own State,” he said. — DayakDaily
