‘Govt wants Sarawak’s rights returned’
KUCHING: The Federal Government is committed to returning the special rights to Sarawak listed under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and has never intended to abolish the state’s immigration autonomy.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the issue had never been raised in the cabinet at the federal level.
“The intention of the Federal Government is to return the rights to the people.
“We have never discussed getting back the state’s immigration autonomy.”
He was commenting on claims made by the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg that a deputy minister had recently suggested Sarawak end its immigration autonomy.
Loke said if the person was from the cabinet, Abang Johari must reveal his or her name so that the person could explain it.
“We respect Sarawak’s rights. I went through the immigration process when I entered the state earlier,” he said after the 18th Sarawak DAP State Ordinary Convention here yesterday.
Deputy Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Chong Chieng Jen, who is the state DAP chairman, challenged Abang Johari to be transparent and specific.
“Let us know who’s that deputy minister. Otherwise, I think he’s (Abang Johari) trying to smear my image as I’m a deputy minister and the only one from Sarawak.
“He should not create a siegementality among Sarawakians to gain support or win the next state election.
“It’s like he’s telling people that Sarawak is under attack (by the Federal Government) and people should stay with Gabungan Parti Sarawak, the state’s ruling coalition, to defend their rights.”