SIBU: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed that the future of Sarawak could only be determined by Sarawak-based political parties, not by outsiders.
“Sarawakians do not need help from outsiders to fight for their rights as they are well-represented by Sarawak-based political parties (the BN Sarawak component parties).
“Only Sarawakians can determine the future of Sarawak. Therefore, Sarawakians must unite. No other people can determine our rights.
“No outsiders can determine the future of Sarawak, including UMNO. UMNO cannot decide for us, other parties outside Sarawak including UMNO, DAP, PKR, PPBM cannot decide for us. They are irrelevant as far as Sarawak is concerned.
“It is only political leaders from Sarawak-based political parties who can and will protect Sarawak,” he stressed.
Abang Johari was speaking at a Chinese New Year dinner hosted by United Chinese Association of Sibu at Kingwood Hotel here on Monday night.
Abang Johari, who is BN Sarawak chairman, added that with the support from all Sarawakians, the state government is in a stronger position to negotiate with the federal government on the return of Sarawak’s lost rights.
“We need Sarawakians to protect Sarawak’s rights. Not UMNO, DAP and not PKR, who are outsiders.”
He said Sarawakians are now outspoken and not afraid to defend their rights, adding that the federal government could not deny the state’s rights and power to protect, control and manage its resources.
Among them is the power of issuing licences under the Sarawak Land Code as well as the Sarawak Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 imposed on oil and gas industry producers and contractors, he pointed out.
The Chief Minister’s wife, Datin Patinggi Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang and Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Dauglas Uggah Embas were among those present.
