KUCHING: Sarawak’s pursuit of rights eroded under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) has never been about seeking independence but about restoring what is already part of the Federal Constitution.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said rejecting this reality is equivalent to undermining the very spirit of Malaysia.
“Until today, we are still fighting to regain what has been eroded. People who do not accept this are destroying the spirit of Malaysia. To me, the spirit of Malaysia is about building the nation together and upholding our responsibility to protect a peaceful, prosperous, and united Malaysia.
“It does not mean MA63 is to make Sarawak independent. No. We have already made our decision — we are part of Malaysia, and even our anthem states that we are part of Malaysia,” he said when speaking at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth Armada Appreciation Night on Sunday (Nov 23).
Abang Johari said MA63 is now firmly recognised in the Federal Constitution after being inserted under Article 160.
He recalled that when Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar served as the law minister, discussions were held between Sarawak leaders and federal legal representatives from the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
“We said that if Article 1(2) was to be amended, then Article 160 must also be amended to include MA63 in the Constitution. In the end, we succeeded when Parliament approved the amendment.
“This means MA63 is now part of our Constitution,” he said.
Abang Johari said the ongoing struggle is founded on the principles of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), guided by the core policy of ‘Sarawak First’.
“We have always fought for Sarawak’s rights,” he said.
