BY NOOR SYAHHIRA HADY & NATASHA JEE
KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is optimistic that all Sarawak rights as enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) would be returned to the state in connection with the 60th anniversary of the formation of Malaysia.
“In the year 2023, we have plans for Sarawak. Sarawak has entered an era where it became a region after joining with other states to form Malaysia 60 years ago.
“And, definitely, we (Gabungan Parti Sarawak or GPS) government will continue to develop the state.
“At the same time, we hope that our rights under the MA63 will be given back to us when we reach independence after 60 years,” he said at the New Year’s 2023 Countdown at the Stadium Perpaduan here tonight (Dec 31).
Abang Johari, who is also the GPS chairman, reiterated that some of the state’s rights are non-negotiable.
“There are some things that cannot be negotiated. It is Sarawak’s right. Among them are our rights on our own land, rights within the Continental Shelf, and Sarawak’s autonomy over immigration powers. We will continue to protect the borders of the state.
“These are issues that cannot be negotiated; these are the rights of Sarawak, and we will defend them,” he pointed out.
On another note, the premier called upon the support and cooperation of Sarawakians to develop Sarawak into a high-income state.
“We will continue to plan well for our economy’s growth until the year 2030. That is why we have to work together to ensure our goal, as laid out in the Post-COVID-19 strategy, can be achieved by 2030,” said Abang Johari.
