KUCHING: Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang has expressed disappointment over remarks made by Pasir Gudang MP Hasaan Abdul Karim that Sarawak is challenging the federal government.
“We are not,” he said, supporting statements from Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63, State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, and Chief Political Secretary to the Premier, Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
“We are kindly asking that the federal government recognise, respect, and return what has been denied to us for all these years,” he said in a statement.
He pointed to past promises made by Pakatan Harapan leaders during the 2016 election, citing Lim Guan Eng of the Democratic Action Party and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad of Bersatu, who had vocally supported the recognition of MA63.
“Before the election, they said the three were equal partners in the formation of Malaysia. They continued this stance post-election, but actions since then have not reflected these promises.”
He also said the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is an international treaty recognised by the United Nations and cannot be erased or amended.
“It’s disheartening that Hasaan and his counterparts have failed to acknowledge what is stipulated under MA63,” he said
Lo highlighted the state’s early establishment of the Sarawak Land Code in 1841, later recognised in the federal constitution in 1958.
He cited Tunku Abdul Rahman’s vision that Sarawak would share in West Malaysia’s development, a promise yet to be fulfilled.
He expressed frustration over the revenue disparity, pointing out that Sarawak and Sabah contribute 60 per cent of the country’s oil and gas but remain underdeveloped.
“West Malaysians have enjoyed extensive railway lines for decades, while Sarawak still awaits its first,” he said.
Lo also encouraged awareness of historical and legal facts surrounding MA63, Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74), and Territorial Sea Act 2012 (TSA 2012).
“Our youth are asking important questions about their rights. We owe it to them to present the undiluted truth.
“It’s time for Malaysia to learn the truth about the PDA74 and the TSA 2012. Our youngsters must be educated about these issues to continue the fight for Sarawak’s rights,” he added.
