Talks on Sarawak’s rights progressing well, says Abang Johari

KUCHING: Negotiations between the federal and Sarawak governments with regards to the state’s rights are progressing well, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

This was because the federal cabinet’s decision to table the proposal to amend Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution to restore Sabah and Sarawak’s status as equal partners under one nation at the upcoming parliamentary session was seen by him as progress being made.

Speaking during the 63rd anniversary dinner of Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) here on Friday, he said that Sarawak has managed to get something that it wanted, but those that could not be decided at the steering committee are referred to the technical committee.

As of now, there are three committees tasked by the federal cabinet to look into the implementation of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) – the Steering Committee, the Technical Committee and the Working Committee.

The respective committees will look into various issues pertaining to the implementation of the MA63 such as finances, constitution, economy, public appointment, court jurisdiction, territorial sea, oil and gas and so on.

He expressed confidence that whatever differences the Sarawak and federal governments might have can be resolved soon.

“Sarawak will have a bright future and be able to position itself as the most developed state in Malaysia by 2030 if Sarawak is run by Sarawakians as only Sarawakians can take good care of Sarawak,” Abang Johari added.

The federal cabinet’s decision to table the proposal was disclosed by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong on Friday.

Liew also said that the amendment would require a twothirds majority in the Lower House (Dewan Rakyat). The next parliament sitting is scheduled to start tomorrow (Mar 11).

Meanwhile when speaking at the dinner, Abang Johari hoped that SDNU will be able to groom more leaders for Sarawak and that it will continue to become a body which all Dayaks in the state can look up to.

“SDNU is one of the associations that has been around in Sarawak for a very long time. I am glad that it had managed to adapt to the changes in time and still remain strong to serve the Dayak community here in the state,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, SDNU president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi and other distinguished guests.