BINTULU: Thirteen out of 29 demands raised by Sarawak and Sabah under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) have been fulfilled thus far.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the resolution of these demands was achieved through the close cooperation between the Technical Committee on MA63 under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) and the federal government.
Among the settled issues, he said, were the recognition of the state’s Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and the Public Works Department (PWD), the recognition of the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) as a technical department, the inclusion of state representatives in the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), greater control over gas distribution and electricity regulation, and the return of Bintulu Port.
“These demands are complex but remain important and ongoing under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who has emphasised his commitment to resolving the issues fairly and within the right framework.
“This is constitutional recognition that affirms our claims and strengthens our position,” he said.
Abang Johari said this in a text speech read out by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the state-level Malaysia Day 2025 Interfaith Thanksgiving event held at Imperial Hotel here on Sunday night.
Abang Johari also noted other achievements, including the introduction of Year Six examinations for core subjects such as English, Science and Mathematics, alongside the continued use of English in Science and Mathematics under the Dual Language Programme.
On a broader note, he assured that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government would continue to steer the State with strong leadership and a clear vision, particularly through the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“The GPS government has consistently implemented proactive and strategic policies to diversify the economy and increase state revenue, laying the foundation for a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Sarawak.
“This economic transformation is taking place across several key sectors, including the green economy, renewable energy, digital technology, and high-value industries,” he added.
