‘Efforts to restore state rights meant to strengthen identity’
We in Sarawak are very hopeful as a part of the Keluarga Malaysia desired by The Right Honourable Prime Minister, there is respect for our efforts to ensure the spirit, rights and privileges of Sarawak and also Sabah, in the context of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and also understanding by ‘family members’ in other areas.
— Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister
KUCHING: The efforts by Sarawak to restore its rights that have been eroded are not for the state’s own interest but should be seen as a step towards further strengthening the identity of Sarawakians as part of a larger ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ (Malaysian Family), said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg last night.
“We in Sarawak are very hopeful as a part of the Keluarga Malaysia desired by The Right Honourable Prime Minister, there is respect for our efforts to ensure the spirit, rights and privileges of Sarawak and also Sabah, in the context of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and also understanding by ‘family members’ in other areas,” he said at the launch of ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ concept in Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here, where Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob officiated at the event.
Abang Johari also said as one large Keluarga Malaysia, there would inevitably be differences of opinion and views in various aspects of the development of the country, but he believed that such situations would only be momentary.
“In our ‘large family’, I believe in the ability to hear the grievances of our family members as well as the ability to keep our family atmosphere to remain friendly and in goodwill.
“I consider the reported agreement given by The Right Honorable Prime Minister to amend the Federal Constitution in line with the spirit of MA63 and privileges of Sarawak and Sabah, as a very good start to listen and consider the requests of our Keluarga Malaysia family members from Sarawak and Sabah. Thank you and hopefully the amendments would be successfully tabled at Parliament and have the support of all members of Parliament,” he said.