KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is wise and brave to stand firm on Sarawak rights.
Political observer Datuk Peter Minos was commenting on Johari’s announcement of the outcome of the inaugural meeting of the Special Cabinet Committee to review the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) on Dec 17 last year.
“Yes, Sarawak’s powers and rights must be fully respected. We did not disturb the federal government and any of the Malayan state’s rights, so why not reciprocate?” he asked.
Saying enough was enough, he said Sarawak’s rights must be given back as they had been clearly spelt out in MA63.
“There is no time for delay, bluffing tactics and procrastination. This goes the same for Petronas, where extra funds from Sarawak’s own oil and gas must be given to the state,” he said.
Minos said the Chief Minister was right in staying steadfast on the four non-negotiable rights, namely the state’s immigration autonomous power, right to enforce state laws, protection of our state boundary, and sovereignty over sea and underground resources.
“If we allow negotiations on the four issues, then we are finished. Sarawak will be as good as a colony of Malaya,” he said.
Minos, who is also the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman, said that the people would stand with Johari on Sarawak rights.
“Like now, we are power-wise and money-wise deprived, and we are supposed to be equals. But it looks like we are pleading and begging for almost everything from them, and these people are playing the difficult and hard game,” he added. He said such action by the federal government would not please Sarawakians.
“In fact Sarawak is not happy with this treatment from West Malaysia,” he said.
He appealed to Sarawakians to give their full support to Johari.
“There is no tolerance for any Sarawakians with one foot here and another foot in Malaya. Under pressure and challenge, we must get both feet in Sarawak.
