‘MA63 the basis to guarantee S’wak’s revenue’
KUCHING: The Malaysia Agreement 1963 ( MA63) will be the basis for Sarawakians to ensure the revenue derived from Sarawak’s land will be utilised to develop the state.
According to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, with the help of his three deputies, Land and Survey Department, State Attorney General’s Office and relevant officials, he will review existing provisions of the law and related ordinances involving the state’s rights over its land.
“Since the implementation and enforcement of the State Land
Since the implementation and enforcement of the State Land Code in 1958, it has been amended several times in line with the current needs of the people of Sarawak. This is to ensure that the people’s right to land is protected and, at the same time, to support the development agenda to drive economic activity.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister
Code in 1958, it has been amended several times in line with the current needs of the people of Sarawak.
“This is to ensure that the people’s right to land is protected and, at the same time, to support the development agenda to drive economic activity,” he said during a dinner hosted by the Land and Survey Department in conjunction with its 100-year anniversary, at the Banquet Hall of the State Legislative Assembly here yesterday.
Apart from that, he also commented that the recent amendment to the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 was to ensure the state’s rights to land and land- related matters are maintained.
“This is very important because only Sarawakians can defend their rights,” Abang Johari emphasised.
Meanwhile, he commended the department for constantly improving its services in line with current technological developments.
According to him, as a department that deals with land management, he is pleased that it has always been efficient in serving the people of Sarawak.
Abang Johari also opined that several other relevant departments and agencies, such as the Natural Resources and Environment Board ( NREB) and Sarawak Rivers Board ( SRB), will play a check- and balance role in the implementation of physical development together with the Land and Survey Department.
“That’s why I always reminded this when the State Planning Authority ( SPA) convened in considering any development proposal.
“Development that connects people with environment will make sure that Sarawak’s flora and fauna are maintained too,” he added.
The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib were present.
Others in attendance included Abang Johari’s wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datu Len Talif Salleh, State Secretary Tan Sri Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, and Land and Survey Department director Zaidi Mahdi.
During the dinner, Abang Johari and other dignitaries also witnessed Taib signing a plaque from the department in which it pledged to continue serving the people for another 100 years.