S’wak holds ‘equal partner’ status in Malaysia under MA63 — Julaihi
KUCHING: Sarawak holds the ‘equal partner’ status within the context of Malaysia Agreement signed in 1963, says Assistant Minister of Coastal Road Datuk Julaihi Narawi.
He believes that Sarawak should enjoy the ‘special rights’ as stipulated under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which is an international agreement.
“Such rights have to be upheld and respected by all, and we (Sarawak) should have our autonomy,” he spoke during a joint Gawai-Hari Raya dinner for the Stakan constituency, held at a hotel here on Friday.
According to Julaihi, who is Sebuyau assemblyman, these ‘special rights’ which have been eroded over the past 55 years, ought to be returned to Sarawak.
“Perhaps we did not realise that our rights had been gradually eroded, until Sarawak ended up being one of the ‘states’ in Malaysia.
“For the rights that have been eroded – be it done on purpose or not – we shall ask ourselves who are going to represent us in regaining our rights.
“It is certain that the (Sarawak) government of the day, elected by the people, is obligated to represent Sarawakians to fight for our rights,” he pointed out.
Julaihi also pledged that the Sarawak government, under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), is entirely committed to defending its rights.
He said for instance, the Sarawak government recently won the Federal Court case brought against it by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) over the exclusive ownership of petroleum resources in Sarawak.
“We defended our rights over petroleum resources in the state. This goes to show that we are determined to defend what belongs to us,” he added.
Earlier, Stakan assemblyman Dato Sri Mohammad Ali Mahmud said MA63 is still a valid agreement, despite Singapore’s withdrawal two years after Malaysia was formed.
In this respect, he called upon all Sarawakians to stay united as a strong force to defend their rights.
“The journey of getting back our rights should be joined by every Sarawakian, irrespective of race and religion, as well as political ideology,” said Mohammad Ali.