KUCHING: The Sarawak government wants the new unity government to ensure that Sarawak rights stipulated under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are being restored.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, therefore, hoped the new Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be able to fulfil his responsibilities on this matter.
“I hope that our new Prime Minister will be able to fulfil his responsibilities towards our rights for what is written in MA63 and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report,” he said.
He said this during the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Backbenchers Club Night at the Raia Hotel on Thursday (December 1) evening.
Abang Johari, who is also GPS chairman further stressed safeguarding Sarawak rights under MA63 continue to be state’s the main priority.
“MA63 is Sarawak’s rights and it is something that the state government has been fighting for.
“And this is more important that the matter concerning the deputy prime minister’s (DPM) post (in the new Federal Cabinet).
“I quote the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem’s phrase, ‘Only Sarawakians understand what Sarawak needs’ and we will do our best to take care of Sarawak.
“But if given the DPM position, we will take it,” he said.
On a related note, Abang Johari said GPS, as the state’s ruling coalition will continue to achieve political and economic stability in the state.
“The 23 seats won out of the 31 contested in the 15th general election (GE15) is an example that there are a lot of people who need Sarawak’s support,” he said.
He also said Sarawak is aiming to drive the state to be a destination of an economic powerhouse.
“Sarawak’s forest carbon project which will commence in the first quarter of 2023 is an example of Sarawak’s bright economic future.
“Because of our new economy, and in the past four years, our Budget has exceeded RM10 billion,” he said.
Meanwhile, GPS Backbencher Club chairperson and also GPS DUN chief whip, Datuk Ibrahim Baki who also spoke, congratulated Abang Johari for the tabling of the 2023 State Budget.
He also lauded the tabling of Sovereign Wealth Future Fund Bill, adding that it was a visionary move and will benefit the state.
Ibrahim described the GPS winning 23 out 31 seats in the GE15 as achieving its target.
“We won three quarters of the seats contested and now it is time for us to continue to serve the people,” he said.
