Sarawak will ask for MA63 rights, says CM
KUCHING: There is a need for Sarawak to exist in Malaysia, but that does not mean the people in the state cannot ask for their legal rights based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Federal Constitution, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The state now had a better and stronger platform through Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to voice the people’s opinions freely, he added.
“Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was in Kuching recently on his first visit to Sarawak after becoming Prime Minister.
“We were honoured to have him in Kuching and be able to give him an overview of the development in Sarawak,” Abang Johari said when delivering his speech in conjunction with Sarawak Independence Day 2018 at Celebration Square here yesterday.
He said Dr Mahathir’s visit was testimony to the fact that the GPSled state government was able to develop a strong working relationship with the Federal Government despite their differing political views.
“Sarawak’s security against hostile neighbours and internal threat was secured with the help of Malaya and Commonwealth countries.
“But along the way, intentionally or otherwise, Sarawak’s rights were infringed upon without Sarawakians being aware of it.
“This, of course, has brought about much dissatisfaction to the people of Sarawak.
“We strongly believe that this erosion of powers must be rectified and settled amicably through negotiations because discontentment is not healthy for the overall well-being of Malaysia,” said Abang Johari.
On July 22, 1963, Sarawak was granted self-government by the British. The first Sarawak Cabinet was appointed to administer the state. On Sept 15 that year, the last British governor, Sir Alexander Waddell, left the country.
Sarawak participated in the formation of Malaysia with Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah) and Singapore on Sept 16, 1963.