BY RUSNAN MUSTAFA
KUCHING: The concept of checks and balances in Sarawak should be viewed from a different perspective compared to Peninsular Malaysia, as the state’s priority is to ensure the people remain united in fighting for Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
In stating this Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap stressed that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) plays a role as a check and balance to ensure all demands and rights agreed upon for Sarawak are fully implemented.
“When we talk about checks and balances, we need a strong Sarawak. GPS needs to be a check and balance against the federal government so that everything promised to Sarawak can be fulfilled.
“We need to show the whole country that the people of Sarawak are united with one goal, which is to defend and reclaim Sarawak’s rights under MA63,” he said.
He said this to reporters after attending a public town hall session themed “The Role of Government, Opposition and Checks and Balances in Sarawak’s Development” at Crown Square here Saturday night.
The town hall, organised by the Society for the Promotion of Community Participation (ROSE), also featured Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii as a panel representative of Pakatan Harapan, with ROSE president Geoffrey Tang as moderator.
Commenting on the dialogue session, Yap said the time allocated for the discussion was rather short, preventing him from elaborating further on several state government policies.
He said one of the matters he did not have the opportunity to explain was the Sarawak government’s plan to establish a state space agency and carry out a nanosatellite launch, which is currently in the planning stage.
He said the use of nanosatellites would focus on research and development purposes, including mapping, environmental monitoring, carbon management and supporting renewable energy initiatives.
“The state government is not trying to send humans to the moon or Mars. Instead, it is using space technology to support development and research that will benefit Sarawak,” he said.
He said the development of the aerospace industry was also being strengthened through the provision of aircraft maintenance-related courses at the Sarawak Centre of Excellence for Technology (CENTEXS), as well as plans to develop the New International Airport at Tanjung Embang as an integrated aviation hub.
At the same time, Yap described the presence of many young people at the dialogue session as a positive sign of their interest in understanding the state’s policies and development direction.
He said Sarawak has a clear development plan, including strengthening the economy, expanding the use of renewable energy, accelerating digital transformation and ensuring inclusive development regardless of race or religion.
“We want economic prosperity, sustainable development and to ensure that no race or religion is left behind in the development process,” he said.
He also stressed that the state government is constantly strengthening governance and integrity through institutional improvements, which he said are also part of the checks and balances mechanism in administration.
Therefore, he said, the unity of Sarawak’s people is an important element in ensuring that the state continues to have a strong and united voice in championing its interests at the federal level.
