KUCHING: Sarawak has welcomed the announcement that the Finance Ministry will soon hold a discussion with the Sarawak government to review the allocation of the special grant under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this was indeed good news especially for the people of Sarawak.
“As stated by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili in parliament recently, the move is part of the efforts to restore and respect the rights of Sarawak and Sabah as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said in a Facebook post on Friday (Mar 11).
For the people of Sabah, he said matters related to the granting of special grants will be discussed at the MA63 Special Council meeting on March 14 to be chaired by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“Meanwhile, for Sarawak, Maximus also revealed that the handover of power in the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the state had already taken place on June 1 last year, after it was agreed to during MA63 Special Council meeting which was led by former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
“Both the Sarawak and Sabah governments were also authorised to issue deep-sea fishing licenses on October 18 during the MA63 Special Council meeting chaired by the Prime Minister where the details are expected to be finalised by next month.
“Alhamdulillah, both Sarawak and Sabah will also benefit from the amendment of Article 1 (2) and Article 160 (2) of the Federal Constitution, which was unanimously approved by the Dewan Rakyat on December 14 last year,” he said.
As such, he said, Sarawak will always support the continuous efforts in important and historic resolutions on the constitutional amendments to Articles 1 (2) and 160 (2) relating to the equal status of Sabah and Sarawak to redefine the meaning of the ‘federation’, and to include Malaysia Day as Sept 16, 1963.
“Congratulations also to the federal government, through the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs), which will continue to discuss pressing issues and ensure the rights and demands of the people of Sabah and Sarawak are met.
“We also welcome the organisation of meetings and discussions that continue to be held throughout the year with the aim of resolving any issues along the way,” said Abdul Karim.
