“Sarawak cannot be belittled or downgraded to the status of non-partner in the establishment of Malaysia, that is the spirit of MA63 that the forefathers in the state fought for when they negotiated with other leaders with the British.
“That is one of the essences of Sarawak” Premier Datuk Abang Haji Johari said in his Malaysia Day speech that was read by his deputy. (Abang Jo was in Sabah attending the Malaysia Day event with the Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Sabah)
“Sarawak cannot be reduced to a status that is less than a founding partner of Malaysia,” he repeated.
The content of the speech also said Malaysia should be prepared to find new methods to deal with change and uncertainty, especially when the world is moving towards an era full of challenges. This includes critical issues such as technological development, climate change, a zero-carbon environment, and the search for carbon-free fuels.
Last week the Premier met with cabinet members from Putrajaya in an effort to resolve matters related to MA63 in a special meeting presided over by the Prime Minister. Abang Jo said a total of 11 matters have been resolved but some still require separate discussion between the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister of Sabah and himself. Among the pending matters is the right to collect stamp duty or taxes when making a house sale agreement.
The Federal government has also decided to distribute RM600 million per year from RM300 million as a special interim grant to Sarawak and Sabah as stipulated in the Federal Constitution.
