MIRI: Sarawak’s younger generation must understand and defend the state’s constitutional rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to safeguard its future autonomy and position within Malaysia.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin drove home this message during SUPP’s 67th anniversary flag-raising ceremony here, today.
He called on young Sarawakians to study the state’s political history and appreciate the constitutional safeguards that formed the basis of Malaysia’s creation.
Lee said a clear understanding of MA63, the Cobbold Commission Report and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report was essential for future leaders tasked with protecting Sarawak’s rights and interests.
“Understanding these historical facts is not about dwelling on the past. It is about safeguarding our future,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when the Sarawak government continues to pursue the restoration and recognition of rights under MA63, an issue that has become a cornerstone of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration’s political agenda.
Addressing party members and supporters, Lee said Sarawak’s entry into Malaysia in 1963 was founded on agreed constitutional safeguards and a partnership between Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo, now Sabah, and Sarawak.
“The provisions of MA63 remain highly relevant today because they define Sarawak’s rights, autonomy and constitutional position within the Federation,” he said.
The anniversary celebration, jointly organised by the Miri-Sibuti Parliamentary Liaison Committee and SUPP’s Senadin, Pujut, Piasau, Lambir and Bekenu branches, also provided an opportunity for Lee to reflect on the party’s historical role in Sarawak’s political development.
Founded on Jun 4, 1959, SUPP holds the distinction of being Sarawak’s first political party, established during the colonial era under British rule.
Lee described the party’s founding leaders as courageous patriots who championed self-governance, equality and justice at a time when political awareness was beginning to take root across the state.
“They believed that Sarawakians should have the right to determine their own future and shape the destiny of their homeland,” he said.
According to Lee, the party’s founders faced significant obstacles as they sought to mobilise public support and advocate for greater political representation.
Despite political challenges over the decades, he said SUPP had remained resilient through its commitment to grassroots service and its multi-racial principles.
“Every challenge has taught us valuable lessons. Every obstacle has made us stronger,” he said.
Looking ahead, Lee said the future of Sarawak would depend heavily on the ability of younger generations to seize opportunities created by the state’s ongoing economic transformation.
He pointed to the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which focuses on innovation, digitalisation, renewable energy and the green economy as key pillars of Sarawak’s development agenda.
Among the most significant initiatives introduced by the GPS government, he said, was the implementation of free tertiary education at Sarawak-owned higher education institutions beginning this year.
The policy, he said, reflected the state’s commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting emerging industries and driving future economic growth.
Lee urged students and young Sarawakians to take advantage of the opportunities available to them by pursuing education, embracing lifelong learning and equipping themselves with relevant skills for the future economy.
“The success of our digital economy, green economy and innovation-driven industries will depend on the capabilities and talents of our next generation,” he said.
He also reaffirmed SUPP’s support for Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and the GPS administration, crediting the Premier’s leadership with steering Sarawak towards greater prosperity and self-reliance.
As the party marked its 67th anniversary, Lee outlined several priorities that he said would shape Sarawak’s future, including political stability, racial and religious harmony, youth empowerment, technological advancement and sustainable development.
He warned against division and extremism, describing Sarawak’s tradition of multi-racial coexistence as one of its greatest strengths.
“Stability provides the foundation for economic growth, investor confidence, job creation and long-term development,” he said.
For Lee, the anniversary was not merely a celebration of SUPP’s past achievements but a reminder that Sarawak’s future would be shaped by a new generation that understands both its history and its constitutional rights.
“The future belongs to the young,” he said, urging them to prepare for leadership while continuing to safeguard Sarawak’s interests within the Malaysian federation.
