By Shikin Louis
SIMANGGANG, Sept 16: Sarawak cannot be reduced to a status that is less than a founding partner of Malaysia, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In light of the Malaysia Day celebration today, he reminded that Sarawak did not ‘menumpang kasih’ because it was one of the key partners in the formation of Malaysia.
According to him, Sarawak has its own political and administrative system, with clear boundaries and population.
“Sarawak cannot be belittled or downgraded to the status of non-partner in the establishment of Malaysia. That is the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) that our leaders fought for when they negotiated with other independence leaders and the British.
“Sarawak cannot be reduced to a status that is less than a founding partner of Malaysia,” he said in a speech text read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during Sarawak-level Malaysia Day celebration held at Sri Aman Sports Complex and broadcast live on Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on YouTube today.
Abang Johari further stressed that Sarawak’s stance does not mean that Sarawak aims to challenge the Federation of Malaysia.
“Sarawak’s demands based on MA63 is an effort to correct and fulfil the rights and privileges of Sarawak as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the MA63.
“The working relationship between the Sarawak Government and the Federal Government must be based on and respect what is written in the Federal Constitution and MA63,” he emphasised.
The Malaysia Day celebration was graced by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn who is the responsible minister for the Celebration; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Minister of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin and Deputy State Secretary (Economic and Development Plan) Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel. — DayakDaily
