BATU Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang has also welcomed the formation of the consultative committee to advise Sarawak representatives of the Malaysia Agreement (1963) Steering Committee.
Asajaya assemblyman Datuk Abdul Rahman Karim Rahman Hamzah who is also Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports moved the motion to form the committee during the State Legislative Assembly sitting in Kuching on Tuesday.
“This is the right time to revisit MA63 and study the breaches of MA63 by the Federal Government,” he said.
“We deserve to have a referendum to determine the actual views of all eligible Sarawakians on our position in Malaysia,” he added.
Lo added: “This is also to show the Federal Government how this “fixed deposit”and “kingmaker” really feels after so many years of neglect and breaches, as well as the unacceptable imposition, directly or indirectly, of the racial, religious and cultural influences which are detrimental to our “unity in diversity”.
“We have to stay united as Sarawakians to achieve that goal. There is no better time than now to negotiate our rights back,” he added.
“An issue important to everyone who holds Fair Land Sarawak dear to their hearts is MA63.
“Where is the promise by PH to honour, respect and to fulfil the obligations under MA63?,” he asked
“We are deeply concerned about the purported restoration of MA63 from Putrajaya and the payment of 20 percent oil royalty and gas from Petronas based on production.
“Until the Federal Government returns Sarawak’s powers as contained in MA63, Sarawakians will continue to harp on it from the DUN to the coffeeshops.
“Many are fed up with the procrastination of pledges and promises from PH. Before the election, PH made copious promises on the return of our rights.
“The new government has been formed but it is still dragging its feet on returning the autonomy of powers back to us. It is no wonder that the people are feeling agitated over the reluctance and obstinacy of PH to recognise and fulfil MA63 in full.
“Sarawak really needs the money from the oil and gas extracted from the state.”
Lo added that it was ironic that while Peninsular Malaysia enjoyed the best infrastructure, many rural areas here in Sarawak did not even have basic amenities like piped water, electricity or proper roads leading to their homes.
“With $15 billion in oil and $49 billion in gas siphoned from Sarawak annually, we are begging for pittances and crumbs of 5 percent are thrown at our feet annually. 5 percent is just over RM1billion. Where is the logic in this? We want full ownership over our oil and gas which is rightfully ours. Why are we so far behind economically when it is our oil and gas that is being used to improve Peninsular Malaysia’s elevated lifestyle?
“Sarawak wants good roads, good schools, good hospitals and medical care and affordable housing comparable to our Semenajung partners. It is our oil and gas after all. Don’t we deserve it?,” he said.
