Sarawak opts for diplomacy
CM explains why motion on reclaiming state’s rights was not tabled, says issue can be settled amicably
The Article, before its amendments clearly provides that the Federation of Malaysia consists of the states of the Federation of Malaya, the states of Sabah and Sarawak and Singapore
KUCHING: The state government is not making a ‘ U’ turn when it decided not to proceed with tabling a motion on reclaiming Sarawak’s status as an equal partner in the Federation of Malaysia.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said the state government believed that the federal and state BN governments, being in a family, could resolve this issue amicably without resorting to confrontation.
“Diplomacy is better than confrontation. And because of diplomacy, so far, we have achieved all those things on Petronas and from the federal government. We will not follow the Opposition’s stand of confrontation,” he said in his winding-up speech during the State Legislative Assembly sitting yesterday.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, Chief Minister
As such, Adenan said the state government had decided not to proceed with a motion on the amended Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution which downgraded Sarawak’s status within Malaysia from that of a region to one of the 13 states in Malaysia.
“The amended Article 1( 2) is perceived as not in the spirit behind the Inter- Governmental Commit tee Report and the Malaysia Agreement which was clearly reflected in the original wordings of that Article.
“The A r ticle, before its amendments clearly provides that the Federation of Malaysia consists of the states of the Federation of Malaya, the states of Sabah and Sarawak and Singapore.”
Adenan noted that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced that he was willing to discuss with Sarawak and Sabah on any mat ters related to the misinterpretations and misunderstandings of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“On this note, the Prime Minister clearly shows that he is willing to discuss this matter with the state government and to fi nd solutions to resolve this issue.
“Taking into account that he has shown great concern for the rural areas and trust that he will keep his word, I have no reason to doubt him and therefore, there is no need to confront him on this matter when diplomacy is enough.”
Adenan said this approach through consu lt at ion was manifested through the Prime Minister’s regular visits to Sarawak and his approval of many projects during his visits.
“As I have always mentioned in the past, we are fortunate to have Mohd Najib Tun Razak, a caring Prime Minister who has frequently visited Sarawak since he became the Prime Minister. Undeniably, this shows that he cares a lot for the wellbeing of the people in the state.
“It also exemplifies his great concern on the need to accelerate the provision of basic infrastructure and social amenities especially in the rural areas. As such, we always welcome his visits to the state.”
He said the Pan Borneo Highway project, a mega project for Sarawak that was approved by Najib, for example, was progressing well, noting that all 11 packages from Telok Melano, Lundu to Merapok, Lawas had been successfully awarded to contractors.
“With a total distance of 1,089 kilometres, the project, when completed in 2020 will provide a comfortable and toll-free road journey. The travel time across Sarawak will also be shortened drastically.”
Adenan reiterated that the Pan Borneo Highway project would have a multiplier effect on the state economy through greater mobility of people and goods and opening up of more areas for development.
“The project has created job opportunities for 75 local consultants, 11 main contractors and 35 sub- contractors as well as is generating more employment opportunities for Sarawakians.”
In order to ensure the successful completion of this project and to benefit the people, he said the state government was working very closely with the federal government.
“In reciprocating the kindheartedness and generosity of YAB Prime Minister, I would like to express our thanks and heartfelt appreciation to him and the federal government for approving these people- centric and rural focus projects during his walkabouts in Sarawak.
“These projects have considerably benefited the people especial ly the rural communities. For this reason, we hope that our YAB Prime Minister will continue to visit us in the future and to announce more programmes and projects for the benefit of the people in Sarawak.”
THE 53 principles and actions announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem before and during the last state election were not just empty promises but sincere efforts by the Barisan Nasional ( BN) government to safeguard the interest of the people as well as to lighten the burden of the people.
Adenan said he was pleased to inform that all these principles and actions had been implemented except for several items under the devolution of power and Petronas commitment as explained earlier were still at various levels of negotiation with the federal government and Petronas.
“It is obvious that the people have benefited from the various initiatives being implemented,” he said during his winding- up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting yesterday.
Adenan, who led the state BN to win a landslide victory by winning 72 out of 82 seats in the
It is obvious that the people have benefited from the various initiatives that are being implemented.
May 7 state election, said in terms of popular votes, there was an increased support for BN from 55.4 per cent in the 10th State Election to 62.2 per cent in the 11th State Election.
“In contrast, the popular votes for the opposition ( PKR and DAP) have decreased from 37.4 per cent in the 10th State Election to 29 per cent in the 11th State Election.”
He said the people had made their choice and the BN government, being a caring and responsible government was duty bound to deliver all the promises made in the last election.
“We are committed to discharge our responsibilities to plan for
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, Chief Minister
the posterity of Sarawak and to look after the wellbeing of the people.
“This is the reason we have fulfilled the 53 principles and actions to benefit the people. We are implementing development policies and strategies through our SocioEconomic Transformation Plan ( SETP) and Transformation Initiatives for the economic prosperity of the state and livelihood of our people.
“Therefore, our programmes and projects are people- centric and focus on rural areas.”