By Editor KB,Karen Bong
Copyright dayakdaily
By Karen Bong
BINTULU, Sept 16: Sarawak’s success in restoring rights that had been eroded over time is proof that Sarawak is not just part of Malaysia, but an equal partner in building the nation, declared Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Addressing the Sarawak-level Malaysia Day 2025 celebration at Bintulu Old Airport tonight streamed live via Ukas Channel, he said these achievements, especially under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration, underscored Sarawak’s steadfast commitment to reclaiming what was enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“When we speak about Malaysia Day, we cannot avoid touching on MA63, a historic document that laid the foundation for the formation of Malaysia. It is not just an agreement, but a legal and political bond that guarantees Sarawak’s rights, autonomy and special position within the Federation,” he said.
Abang Johari highlighted key milestones achieved, including the 2021 amendment to the Federal Constitution which restored Sarawak’s position as an equal partner in the 1963 formation of Malaysia.
He noted that this was not only recognition of history but also a commitment to a fairer and more balanced future.
Among other restored rights, Sarawak now holds regulatory authority over liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) with State-owned Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) appointed as the sole gas aggregator.
“In addition, we have successfully elevated the Public Works Department (JKR), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) Sarawak, and the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) to be recognised as technical departments. This opens up more opportunities for us to carry out our own development projects without being overly dependent on federal agencies,” he elaborated.
He further pointed to Sarawak’s permanent representation in the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance to reflect local realities, and the change of Bintulu Port’s status from a federal to a State port as major wins.
Abang Johari added that Sarawak’s struggle to restore its rights is not yet over, noting that continued collaboration with the federal government has borne results, including the recent MA63 Implementation Action Council meeting in Kuching chaired by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 12.
“One key agreement reached was the federal government’s readiness to consider increasing parliamentary seats for Sarawak and Sabah to ensure fairer representation.
“Another was to amend the Constitution so that the appointment of Judicial Commissioners in both States must be certified by the Head of State. This reflects recognition of our special position in the Federation,” he said.
On environmental matters, he revealed that Sarawak is set to gain full control of its environmental policies, with exemptions from the Environmental Quality Act 1974 to be tabled in Parliament this December.
“Although we have achieved many successes, we are determined to continue fighting for and reclaiming our rights as enshrined in MA63 for the well-being of the people,” he affirmed.
Themed “Sarawak Maju Makmur Dalam Malaysia”, the celebration was officiated by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. — DayakDaily
