KUCHING: The new federal government has been urged to ensure that Sarawak’s rights stipulated under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report is restored.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi said this following the announcement of the new Federal Cabinet line-up, which saw five Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) ministers from Sarawak including one minister appointed as the deputy prime minister (DPM).
“We are thankful that the new unity government recognised and appreciative of the GPS party’s strength.
“Next, is, we will much appreciate that our struggle to get back our eroded rights as enshrined in MA63 and the IGC agreement will be materialised too, with the stronger and louder voice of our representatives in the new Cabinet line-up,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said that the appointment of the five MPs from Sarawak in the new federal Cabinet is hoped they will continue to fight for the rights of Sarawak while contributing to the development of the country and Sarawak in particular.
“For all the people of Sarawak, we expect the Prime Minister Datuk Seir Anwar Ibrahim to give full authority to those appointed to focus and deliver their duties.
“It is also hoped that with the appointment of Sarawak parliamentarians in the federal Cabinet, they will bring change and drive the country to excellence,” he said.
He added what the Sarawak emphasise on is that the rights, aspirations and priorities of the people in the state are prioritised inline with GPS’s slogan ‘Jaga Sarawak, Intu Sarawak’.
“I also called upon Malaysians to give their full support to this newly formed unity Cabinet,” said Rentap.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan said that now that the Cabinet is formed, next is about fulfilling the terms and conditions of the MA63 and the IGC Reports which is very important.
“Make them materialised, that’s what we want. Sarawak is a big state, and in order to fast track the development in the state, not only more federal funding is required but devolution of powers too.
“Whether the Cabinet is enlarged or downsized, it’s the prerogative of the Prime Minister. He would have envisioned the real needs and capacity. But what’s important is having an effective cabinet to propel the nation forward in all aspects.
“So, with the new Cabinet line-up, we have high expectations that whatever manifestos and promises made are fulfilled and not mere rhetoric,” he said.
He also said Sarawak is thankful that the DPM post is from Sarawak representing the eastern bloc.
“It is historic for Sarawak to have Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof appointed as the DPM. In a way, it is a recognition to us as one of the founding partners in the formation of Malaysia,” he said.
He added Sarawak is quite well represented with the appointment of five full ministers in the down-sized federal Cabinet.
“We believe they are able to carry the voice of Sarawak at the federal level,” said Snowdan.
