BY IDA NADHIRAH
THE Sarawak government has aggressively negotiated with the federal government to restore and pursue Sarawak’s rights and interests under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) since 2016.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts of Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew stated that in view of the tourism sector and its significant impact to Sarawak and its socio-economy, the state government sees that regulating its own laws when it comes to tourism in Sarawak is important.
According to him, the Sarawak government has proposed to amend Item 25A (Tourism) from List I (Federal List) to List III (Concurrent List) of the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
“If the amendment is to include item ‘tourism’ in List III, the Sarawak government will have the authority to make legislation relating to tourism in the State,” he said.
He said this in response to a question by Datuk Lo Khere Chiang (GPS-Batu Kitang) in the question-and-answer session during the fourth day of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (May 9).
On the Ministerial Motion seeking a comprehensive change to the Federal Constitution, including an amendment to Item 25A, he said that it is actively being pursued.
“The Sarawak government remains dedicated to protecting unique privileges and promoting more autonomy,” he said.
Following this, he also assured that the Sarawak and federal government are working together on a concurrent lease to promote tourism development, improve state management, build infrastructure, encourage community-based tourism, and facilitate cross-border travel.
He said this agreement covers tourist guide licencing, homestay registration, training institutes, tourism investment, and tax collection.
