KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) remains steadfast in defending Sarawak’s rights, ensuring four key matters in the Federal Constitution stay non-negotiable.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said these include Sarawak’s autonomy and immigration rights, as well as the state’s authority to enforce taxes such as the State Sales Tax and port duties.
The PBB deputy president added that Sarawak will also safeguard its continental shelf rights and sovereignty over natural resources in offshore and underground territories.
“We must stand united in defending these fundamental rights, which must never be compromised.
“These protections and sovereignty are enshrined in the Federal Constitution, and no party should question or violate them.
“As the late Tun Jugah once reminded us, ‘Anang Malaysia baka tebu, manis ba pun, tabar ba ujung.’ This is the principle we will continue to uphold — without Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), there would be no Malaysia,” he said.
He said this during the closing ceremony of the party’s 16th Triennial General Meeting at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday.
Awang Tengah noted that Sarawak has made significant progress in securing its rights under the MA63, with the federal commitment to resolving outstanding matters through the MA63 Action Council.
He added that the constitutional amendment restoring Sabah and Sarawak status as equal partners in Malaysia, along with the state’s new permanent representation in the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), will help ensure a fair share of national tax revenue.
However, he stressed that the struggle is ongoing, with several key issues still under negotiation.
These include improving healthcare facilities to bridge urban-rural disparities and strengthening Sarawak’s role in education, particularly in STEM and TVET programmes in English.
It also involves expediting federal development projects through a proposed trust fund that would be managed by the state’s financial secretary.
“With this mechanism, Sarawak will have full control over the implementation of development projects, avoiding bureaucracy that slows down progress and ensuring that the needs of the people are met more effectively.
“This matter will continue to be followed up with the federal government,” he said.
Awang Tengah also assured that the Sarawak government will continue to advocate for the increase of parliamentary seats for Sarawak and Sabah to at least 35 per cent.
“This is in line with the spirit of MA63 and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, as agreed upon by our forefathers to safeguard the interests of Sarawak and Sabah,” he added.
