By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 21: The Sarawak and Federal governments have resolved discussions on the handing over of regulatory authority for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to the Sarawak government through Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros).
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said this is one of nine key areas that have been resolved, in response to questions from Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assam during the question-and-answer session at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
The Sarawak and Federal governments have also resolved the issue concerning an amendment to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution, restoring Sarawak and Sabah’s status as equal partners in the formation of Malaysia, in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
This also includes amending the interpretation of the term “Federation” under Article 160(2) of the Federal Constitution, which now constitutionally includes the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and related instruments such as the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report as part of the Federal Constitution.
Sarawak has also settled discussions to amend Article 161A to provide full authority to the Sarawak Government to define the term “native” more comprehensively and inclusively
Additionally, the Sarawak and Federal governments have agreed to empower the Sarawak Marine Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development with the issuance of deep-sea fishing licences.
Both governments also come to an agreement with regards to recognition of the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) as Technical Departments under Treasury Instruction 182, allowing them to administer federal projects in Sarawak valued up to RM50 million.
Sharifah Hasidah also confirmed that amendments to the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia Act 1995 [Act 533] to enable permanent representation from Sarawak and Sabah on the board, have been settled. Similarly, both governments have come to an agreement on Special Guidelines to facilitate the return of land previously reserved for Federal purposes back to the State.
Lastly, the amendment to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Cap.76) which has come into force on May 1, 2025 is also one of the key areas that both governments have agreed.
“As of May 2025, negotiations between the Sarawak Government and the Federal Government regarding the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are on going,” said Sharifah Hasidah. — DayakDaily
