SEMATAN: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has asserted that discussions are still ongoing with regard to reclaiming Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“(This) will be pursued. There are some outstanding issues that we need to discuss. When it comes to that, then I will consult the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Consultative Committee,” he said.
He said this in response to a question during a press conference after he officiated at an earth-breaking ceremony for a mosque and entrepreneurs platform (Anjung Usahawan) at Telok Melano here yesterday.
He explained that the MA63 committee which was previously chaired by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was no longer relevant.
“So, the present Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin established a new portfolio of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs under the Prime Minister’s Department with Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili as minister and Mukah MP Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib as deputy minister.
“They are looking into the other areas that we have not settled. So, we are just waiting for an official meeting,” said Abang Johari.
In his speech earlier, he said that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government would continue fighting to reclaim Sarawak’s rights under MA63 which had since been eroded.
Also present were Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Assistant Minister of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion and Tanjung Datu assemblywoman Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu.
