BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & KAREN MASING
KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) remains steadfast in ensuring that Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Federal Constitution, and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report are upheld and implemented.
PBB deputy president, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said that as Malaysia operates under a federal system, the division of powers between the federal and state governments plays a crucial role in maintaining administrative balance.
“As an equal partner in the formation of Malaysia, the states of Sarawak and Sabah have been granted special privileges, including additional items in the State List and the Concurrent List specifically for Sabah and Sarawak. These privileges are not granted to other states in Malaysia.
“The division of powers within the Legislative Lists plays a crucial role in ensuring balance in governance and administration between the federal government and the state governments, particularly for Sabah and Sarawak.
“When these principles are respected, we will have a harmonious federal government, where the Federation and the States move in unison in the spirit of the Federal Constitution, the State Constitutions, the MA63, and the IGC Report. This is the foundation of a strong and stable government,” said Awang Tengah.
The deputy premier said this in a special interview at his office in Wisma Sumber Alam here on Thursday.
Therefore, he said PBB’s role is to ensure that what has been enshrined in these foundational documents is respected.
“In fact, the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that the agreements made by past leaders should be preserved and implemented. This is an important principle for our collective well-being.
“Alhamdulillah, through the MA63 Action Council, many matters under MA63 have been successfully agreed upon and implemented. What has yet to be achieved will continue to be pursued. This is our right, and as the late Tok Nan said, “Nothing More, Nothing Less”,” said Awang Tengah.
Beyond constitutional matters, he said Sarawak is also focusing on resource development, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
“In 2020, the Sarawak government signed a Commercial Settlement Agreement with PETRONAS, witnessed by the federal government. This agreement serves as the foundation for the framework of oil and gas sector development in Sarawak.
“At the same time, we are also prioritising the development of renewable energy.
“All these efforts are not only for the benefit of Sarawak but also for the sustainability and progress of Malaysia as a whole—towards a brighter future for Sarawak and Malaysia,” he said.
