KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his commitment to prioritise development in Sarawak and Sabah in the 12th Malaysia Plan.
He also commended the Prime Minister for giving priority to resolving matters related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is grateful to the federal government’s willingness to restore the eroded rights of Sarawak and Sabah, as stipulated in the Federal Constitution and MA63.
“This is the wish of Sarawak citizens, for the rights and privileges of Sarawak outlined in the Constitution and MA63 continue to be respected and implemented, just as agreed upon by our leaders back in 1963.
“Sarawak may be accused of being regional with those demands but the people of Sarawak only want the rights of Sarawak and do not intend to disrupt the rights of others,” he said.
He said these remarks at the 2023 National-level Malaysia Day celebration held at the Stadium Perpaduan here in Petra Jaya this evening (Sept 16).
Abang Johari stressed the importance of understanding the division of powers as outlined by the Constitution, distinguishing between matters under federal jurisdiction (Federal List), state jurisdiction (State List), and joint jurisdiction (Concurrent List).
“The relationship between the federal government and the state government should always be guided by the highest law of the country.
“However, the division of powers does not mean that the Federation and the State cannot work together for common interests,” he added, citing the successful cooperation between Sarawak and Petronas through the Commercial Settlement Agreement (CSA), which has created opportunities for mutual benefit, both for the country and Sarawak, as an example.
