KUCHING: The federal government remains obligated to provide financial support to Sarawak notwithstanding the state’s recent gain in revenue.
In stating this, Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said this is Sarawak’s rightful entitlement as being part of Malaysia.
“Certain quarters who claim that Sarawak has a lot of money and should use its own resources are not Sarawakians and are not fighting for Sarawak.
“If you are fighting for Sarawak, you are a Sarawakian and elected by the people to represent the state at the federal level, and you must fight for Sarawak’s interests.
“Therefore, it is under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) that it is the federal government’s obligation and responsibility to give us (Sarawak) money (to be used for developments),” he said.
He said this during the flag-raising ceremony in conjunction with the 64th anniversary of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) at the party headquarters here today (June 4).
Dr Sim, who is also the SUPP president, said Sarawak has made a substantial contribution to the nation in terms of oil and gas resources, necessitating the need for the federal government to help Sarawak in return.
On MA63, he mentioned that it started with the late MA63 activist Zainnal Ajamain, who raised awareness about the agreement.
“Zainnal launched the book ‘The Grand Design’ in this hall (of SUPP headquarters on July 9, 2016), which then led to the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem to start talking about MA63,” he said.
He said MA63 was signed when Sarawak, North Borneo (Sabah), Singapore, and the Federation of Malaya ‘got married’.
“In 1963, we announced to the world that we were getting married. We had a huge party with many guests, cake cutting, and invitations, but the marriage was never officially registered.
“60 years later, you said you wanted a divorce? It was never official, so how can we divorce?
“Our effort to have MA63 in the constitution started with Zainnal and was led and continued by Adenan. As a result, we achieved to have MA63 in the Federal Constitution in 2021,” he added.
Hence, Dr Sim said Sarawak can now demand its rights, including its money and autonomy in health and education.
“That is also why it is important if we have the right leadership in politics,” he said.
He stated that in 2022, Malaysia experienced the most divisive, polarising, and politically charged period in its history.
“Thus, Sarawakians, we must look after ourselves, and we must make sure that we get (Sarawak demands under) MA63 done as soon as possible,” said Dr Sim.
