KUCHING, July 9: Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud says the setting up of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) by the state’s ruling coalition is in line with the aspirations of Sarawakians.
He said he believed GPS would be a strong and matured alliance that would make Sarawak more progressive.
“GPS will provide a strong platform for the Sarawak government to champion the struggles of the state for its rights and autonomy. I believe GPS will become an important vehicle in Sarawak’s struggles of taking back its rights from the federal government as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“I urge the federal government to sincerely work together with the Sarawak state government to achieve this end,” said Taib in his opening speech at the Third Session of the 18th State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here today.
He also expressed confidence that the state government would manage its natural resources well for the benefit of the people.
“I believe the strengthening of laws such as the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 and Gas Distribution Ordinance 2016 will ensure that the precious natural resources of oil and gas (O&G) will be developed effectively,” said Taib.
He agreed with the setting up of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) to manage the state’s O&G.
“This is in line with the aspirations of Sarawak to become an important industrial O&G hub within the region and in its effort to work together with Petronas for the sake of the nation, especially for Sarawak.
“Because of that, I appeal that Sarawak’s boundaries, especially its sea territory, must be guarded and protected. This is important because precious natural resources such as O&G may be developed and managed for the benefit and sovereignty of Sarawak,” said Taib.
He asserted that the struggles of Sarawak in upholding its rights and autonomy from the federal government needed the support of all Sarawakians .
Meanwhile, Taib also called on the Pakatan Rakyat (PH) federal government to realise the promises made in its manifesto.
He hoped the federal government would carry out its duties to develop Sarawak in line with the Federal Constitution and at the same time, there was sincerity on the part of the Sarawak government in working together with the federal government to ensure that all development plans were implemented successfully. — DayakDaily
