BINTULU: The state government’s efforts to claim Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) have yielded significant results.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said as a responsible state government, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) remains committed to the principles of Sarawak First, ensuring the interests and future of Sarawak’s people are paramount.
“We will not compromise on this. Our struggle to claim Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) has borne fruit.
“We have successfully secured 13 administrative matters related to Sarawak’s rights from the federal government.
“These matters include the planning of federal development projects, positions in the federal public service (Borneonisation), and enhancing the functions and collaboration between State and Federal Departments in Sarawak.
“In addition, we have reinstated Sarawak’s status as an equal partner through an amendment to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution in 2021,” he said during the launching of the GPS manifesto for the Jepak by-election at Fairfield by Marriot Hotel yesterday (Oct 29).
Furthermore, the Special Grant from the federal government to the Sarawak government has increased up to RM300 million as an interim payment in 2023, nearly 19 times more than the previous RM16 million grant.
The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president also revealed that as of Oct 6, Sarawak has successfully claimed almost RM15 billion in State Sales Tax (SST).
Awang Tengah affirmed that the Sarawak government will persist in claiming rights under Article 112(D) of the Federal Constitution based on the submitted formula.
“All of these achievements have been made possible through the mandate given to us by the people, with resounding victories in the last state election and the general election.
“We seek the continued support of the residents and voters of Jepak to bolster our voice in the state assembly.
“Our message is clear: Sarawak needs this authority for the benefit and future of the people and voters in Jepak and throughout Sarawak,” he said.
