KUCHING: The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) provides the firm foundation for Sarawak to defend its rights and strengthen its position.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu‘s (PBB) President and Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, likened its importance to the strong footing needed in silat, saying political strength similarly depended on having a solid foundation.
“If you practise silat, you know that what matters first is your footing. Only when your footing is strong can you evade an opponent’s attack.
“Politics is the same. Our footing is MA63. That is what makes PBB strong – we have a firm foundation,” he said during the PBB Southern Zone Special Convention 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
Abang Johari said Sarawak must continue strengthening its ability to stand on its own feet, particularly by increasing state revenue and reducing its dependence on allocations from elsewhere.
Recalling the introduction of state sales tax (SST) on petroleum products, he said Sarawak had defended its position in court after PETRONAS disputed the tax.
He also said the additional revenue had enabled the state to finance roads, bridges and other infrastructure needed by its people.
“We must not depend entirely on others. We must stand on our own feet. Sarawak can now stand on its own feet,” he said.
Abang Johari also criticised suggestions questioning the relevance of the MA63, stressing that Sarawakians must remain united in protecting the state’s interests.
“There was a lawyer who suggested doing away with the MA63, asking what use it was. We must defend our state together,” he said.
