SIBU: The matter of Sarawak’s autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) does not need to be brought back to Parliament, said Education, Innovation and Talent Development Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
He said focus should instead be placed on its implementation.
“Lately, issues concerning Sarawak’s autonomy under MA63 continue to surface.
“Perhaps some have forgotten that a constitutional amendment was made in 2022 and came into effect on February 11, 2022,” he said in a Facebook post on Sunday.
Dr Annuar, who is also the Nangka assemblyman, shared a photo in the post outlining key constitutional amendments passed in 2022 related to MA63.
Among the amendments were the redefinition of “the Federation”, recognition of Sabah and Sarawak as the Borneo Region, the formal definition of Malaysia Day, and provisions concerning the indigenous peoples of both states.
Recently, former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said that Sarawak’s quest for greater autonomy and control over oil and gas resources must be brought to Parliament, and not dealt with via backroom negotiations.
He said that in a federation, national policies must take precedence over state-specific demands, adding that wealth must be distributed equitably between richer and poorer states.
He also stressed that Sarawak’s attempt to seize control of oil and gas resources in the state from PETRONAS could harm the nation.
The remarks made by Dr Mahathir have since sparked a wave of criticism from several Sarawak leaders, activists and locals.
