KUCHING: Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole will continue to prosper if the Federal government fulfills what has been promised in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the rights and privileges of Sarawak and Sabah should be fulfilled as these had formed the basis of the agreement and hence the formation of the Federation of Malaysia.
“I don’t want the country to be like what the late Temenggong Jugah Barieng said “Anang baka tebu, manis ba pun tang tabar ba ujung” (Do not be like the sugar cane, sweet at the beginning but tasteless at the end).
“We are one of the founders of Malaysia… I believe if what has been agreed in MA63 can be respected and fulfilled, it will be able to further strengthen our cooperation and especially in developing the state,” said Awang Tengah in an exclusive interview with Astro Awani deputy editor-in-chief Kamarul Bahrin Haron on Agenda Awani segment on Saturday night.
He said Sarawak was fighting for its basic needs in terms of development especially road connectivity, electricity and water supply.
“I’m sorry to say, but the Federal government has not given much fund to Sarawak for these developments. That is why our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has set up the three agencies under Recoda to develop the areas,” he pointed out.
He hoped the Federal government would continue to assist the state in its infrastructure development.
He assured that the Sarawak GPS government, despite the differences in political ideologies, would continue to work with the PH Federal government for the betterment of the people.
“One example that can be seen is the close cooperation between the Federal government and Sarawak on the preparation of the national-level Malaysia Day celebration centred in Kuching this year.
“I am very thankful for the strong cooperation which enabled a working committee to be formed involving the Federal government and the State. Even the cost of the Malaysia Day celebration is paid by both sides,” he said.
He said such cooperation should be the roadmap for a more peaceful, harmonious and developed Malaysia.
“In Sarawak, we have unity in diversity. If it can be practised throughout the country, Malaysia will continue to progress,” he stated.
