No let-up in pursuit of state’s rights – CM

KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg gave his assurance yesterday that the state government will pursue the matter of devolution of power to Sarawak with the federal government.

Giving his first press conference since he was sworn in as the sixth Chief Minister of Sarawak last Friday following the demise of Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, he said the state would continue to negotiate with the federal government, especially Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, on the rights of Sarawak brought up by Adenan.

“I will pursue the devolution of power. I am very fortunate because I was in the main committee in the process of the negotiation for devolution of power. Therefore, I will continue with what has been negotiated on various subjects within the context of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 ( MA63) and the Malaysian Constitution,” he said after the swearing-in of the new state cabinet at the State Legislative Assembly ( DUN) Complex here yesterday.

Abang Johari noted that the state had reached some agreement with the Prime Minister and the negotiation on devolution of powers would continue.

“It has been laid down by the late Chief Minister. Like I said, I am very fortunate to be the man behind the scene. So I will continue,” he said.

He said the state was also still pursuing negotiations for 20 per cent oil royalty with Petronas.

Adenan had on several occasions made clear that the state government would continue to pursue autonomy for Sarawak based on MA63 but emphasised that Sarawak would not secede from Malaysia.