BY GOH PEI PEI & GABRIEL LIHAN
KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed his commitment to resolve all outstanding matters in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and to accelerate development in Sarawak.
The previous federal governments, he said, had contributed in some ways in this area, including amending the Federal Constitution while others remained as promises only.
Thus, he stressed that more serious efforts need to be put in to expedite all matters related to the agreement and restoring more rights belonging to Sarawak and Sabah.
Anwar said a country could not move forward if the feeling of the people were hurt; as he was aware of the complaints of people in Sarawak and Sabah, where they were left out from the development.
“This is nothing new to me. This is not right. So, we must do our jobs. I have to admit that there are things (development) need to be done in Sarawak,” he added.
Anwar, who was on his first official visit to Sarawak since taking office on Nov 24, was speaking at the State Banquet at the Borneo Convention Centre (BCCK) here yesterday.
He said there were a few matters under the MA63 that needed to be negotiated “a little bit more”.
“We need to return the rights of Sarawak to them.
“I will do my utmost (to return the rights of Sarawak)… This is not a political statement. This is a statement of conviction that we have given the task and the trust.
“We will do it together and resolve all the outstanding matters in the agreement, once and for all, for the sake of the country,” he said.
He added that it was crucial for the government to honour the agreement and uphold the fundamental principles under the MA63.
Apart from that, he said it was a difficult task to negotiate with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as the latter was someone who would not give in easily.
He described Abang Johari as someone “extraordinary” when it came to fighting for the interest of Sarawak and its people.
“I have known him since 1980’s… He is actually my good friend but when it comes to the interests of his people (he will not give in easily),” he said.
The Prime Minister said it was hoped that more matters can be resolved after the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) implementation action committee meeting at the state legislative assembly complex this morning.
After chairing the meeting, Anwar will perform his Friday prayers at Masjid Jamek. He is expected to meet the public at Kubah Ria at 2pm before departing back to Putrajaya.
