KUCHING: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged the important roles of Sarawak and Sabah in the formation of Malaysia.
The Prime Minister was firm in his stance, stating that despite the official terms for Sarawak and Sabah yet to be finalised, it is indeed clear that Borneo is very much part of the establishment.
“For us to change the official terms of Sarawak and Sabah, an amendment process needs to be done where it should be referred to the Conference of Rulers and then the Parliament,” he said.
Anwar said this after chairing the high-level Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) implementation action committee meeting, held at the state legislative assembly (DUN) complex today (Jan 20).
Adding on, he said the federal government recognised and acknowledged the status of Sarawak and Sabah.
As such, he assured that the terms will not affect the negotiation to restore the rights belonging to Sarawak and Sabah.
“Nevertheless, we need to respect the process needed for the amendment. What’s important is that we recognise the status of Sarawak and Sabah despite the terms. The recognition is there and we are clear about their status as part of the three entities (Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya).
“That is why Sarawak has a ‘Premier’. It is to distinguish him from the designation of Chief Minister used in the Peninsula, in addressing its various chief ministers,” added Anwar.
On another matter, Anwar responded to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari’s request to exempt bonus given by the state government from tax.
Anwar agreed to exempt the bonus from tax and extend it to the whole nation, due to the fact that the bonus given is not significant.
“Despite it being proposed by the Premier, this exemption will be applied to all the civil servants in our country,” he declared.
