KUCHING: Sarawak is not neglecting the nation’s interests in its efforts to reclaim its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
Instead, he said, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition supported the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“We recognise that the Federal Government must be stable in order to face a challenging future,” he said at the Sarawak Day celebration in Bintulu on Monday (July 22) night.
Sarawak Day commemorates the state’s attainment of self-government from the British on July 22, 1963.
Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi were the guests of honour at the celebration.
Abang Johari thanked Anwar and the Federal Cabinet for their concern in upholding the promises made by previous leaders during the formation of Malaysia.
He said the restoration of Sarawak’s rights would enable the state to become an economic powerhouse in Malaysia and Asia.
“I am confident that if Sarawak is advanced, Malaysia will also share in our progress because the collection of individual and corporate taxes will go to the Federal Government,” he said.
Abang Johari also said Sarawak did not let go of its rights when it became an equal partner in the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
He said state rights enshrined in Sarawak’s laws which predated Malaysia remained in force if they were not amended in Parliament with the consent of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly.
One example is the Oil and Mining Ordinance 1958 which empowers Sarawak to manage and develop its oil and gas resources, he said.
However, Abang Johari reiterated that Sarawak had no intention to bring down any national entity as alleged by certain parties.
“I hope these people will not politicise the aspirations of Sarawakians to be involved in the oil and gas industry, as the nation’s resources should be shared fairly.
“Sarawak cannot do everything on its own and the best way is through cooperation with national and international entities to transform the state’s economy,” he said.
