KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) declared full support for the Premier and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) negotiating team, backing their ongoing efforts to safeguard Sarawak’s rights.
PRS President, Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai said that the party stands firmly behind the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, stressing that unity and political stability under GPS have strengthened the state’s position within the federation.
He added that the formation of GPS demonstrated how prioritising Sarawak’s interests has led to significant progress, with unity, cooperation and shared vision driving the state’s development.
“Another responsibility we share is to safeguard the rights and interests of Sarawak within the Federation of Malaysia,” he said in his speech during the GPS Convention 2026 held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today (April 19).
He added that these rights are enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and form the foundation of Malaysia’s partnership.
He also said acquiring the state’s rights over the sales tax on the oil and gas industry had not been easy, and expressed appreciation for the Premier and his negotiating team for their efforts under MA63.
“Currently our Premier and his MA63 team of negotiators are facing a particularly daunting task of getting the Federal Government to let go our rights which are enshrined in the Malaysian Agreement 1963 but which are largely being denied us for decades.
“We, in PRS, declare today our appreciation and full support for the Premier and his negotiating team in the GPS government for their efforts,” he said.
Sikie, who is also Minister in the Premier’s Department, described the convention as more than a political gathering, calling it a platform for reflection, unity and renewed commitment to the people.
“It is obvious today that the optimism generated by the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) has been justified as now, the communities of Sarawak are seeing the benefits from the development initiatives taken under PCDS 2030 by our Premier’s government,” he said.
PCDS 2030, he said, provides a clear roadmap to transform Sarawak into a high-income and developed region by 2030, adding that the state had already planned its post-pandemic strategy while others were still grappling with the impact of COVID-19.
He said the strategy has instilled confidence among the people and reflects the government’s commitment to improving living standards through balanced growth.
