KUCHING (Sept 13): The Sarawak government will continue to uphold the spirit of federalism in its discussions with the federal government, as it strives to regain its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak had taken a diplomatic approach in its discussions with the federal government over MA63 issues, a testament of the state’s intention to strengthen the federation. 

The pursuit on the rights of Sarawak under MA63 according to the premier, was never intended to challenge the country’s federal system but more towards protecting what had been enshrined in the country’s Federal Constitution. 

“In this spirit, Sarawak’s pursuit of autonomy over its own natural resources is not an act of anti-federalism but a reaffirmation of federal principles that recognise the rights and unique status of Sarawak within the federation,” he said. 

Abang Johari said this in his speech during Conference of Speakers of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies of Malaysia 2024 here on Friday.

On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said a total of 11 demands under MA63 negotiation platform have been successfully resolved.

Fadillah said seven demands were settled under the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, which among others includes the designation of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Sabah and Sarawak as a Technical Department; the handover of regulatory power over gas supply; and amendments to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) Act 1995 [Act 533] to appoint representatives from the Sabah and Sarawak state governments as permanent members of the IRB.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari said MA63 was not crafted to undermine the federation, but to strengthen it.

He said Sarawak’s recent strides in managing its natural resources are entirely consistent with the Federal Constitution.

“Sarawak, far from overstepping its bounds, is exercising the authority it has been constitutionally granted.

“The management of our oil and gas, for instance, falls squarely within the rights recognised under the Constitution. This is an assertion of Sarawak’s autonomy within a federal framework, not a departure from it,” he added.

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