By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 8: Political pundit Dato Peter Minos said it was ‘incredulous’ that some Peninsular Malaysians were unaware of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), suggesting that some may even be feigning ignorance to avoid being reminded of commitments made to Sarawak.
In a statement, he said that even his 12-year-old daughter was aware that ‘no MA63, no Malaysia’—a fact he added was already well known to him during his own school days.
“I knew that with MA63, Malaya would help Sarawak to catch up (with them) in the economic field; that Sarawak would control immigration and its natural resources like forests, land, minerals, and oil and gas. I remember the promises and pledges—still fresh in my mind.
“That was why we, as kids then in 1963 wee happy when Malaysia was formed. We were told that we were safe in Malaysia, that the more advanced Malaya would stretch a helping hand, and that Sarawak’s security and stability were safe and in capable hands.
“Now what do we see? What do we know and realise? Where are the 1963 pledges and promises? Luckily Malayans have not taken our land, forests, and other minerals,” he said.
Minos said without Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, he opined that the State ‘will never catch up with Malaya’.
“That is why Malayans want to forget about MA63. They do not want to be reminded of their promises to Sarawak. They do not want to hear of their obligations to Sarawak.
“I hope Malayans will rethink—think of Sarawak, think of their solemn promises to Sarawak. If not, Sarawak will continue to be unhappy, feeling ignored and neglected, even bullied. This is simply no good for Malaysia.” — DayakDaily
