SIBU: The federal Cabinet’s decision to transfer ownership of land within the Rajang Area Security Command (RASCOM) to the Sarawak Government has been hailed as another significant milestone in the state’s long-standing pursuit of restoring its constitutional rights and autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Central Youth Chief, Kevin Lau Kor Jie, welcomed the decision, describing it as a major breakthrough that reinforces Sarawak’s position as an equal founding partner in the Federation of Malaysia.
He said the return of the RASCOM land represents one of the key state assets that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has consistently sought to reclaim, expressing hope that the transfer of ownership and administrative authority would be completed without delay.
“We hope the land ownership and all related powers will be transferred back to the Sarawak Government as soon as possible. This is an asset that has long been fought for by the GPS government to ensure Sarawak’s rights are fully restored,” he said in a statement on Friday (July 31).
According to Lau, the latest development reflects the Sarawak Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the state’s rights as enshrined under MA63 while strengthening its constitutional standing within the federation.
He said that with the land officially returned, the Sarawak Government would be empowered to plan and implement development initiatives in the affected areas based on the state’s priorities and the needs of local communities.
Lau noted that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has consistently reaffirmed the GPS administration’s commitment to defending Sarawak’s constitutional rights and ensuring that every provision under MA63 is fully honoured.
He added that the drive to strengthen Sarawak’s autonomy began under the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and has since been pursued consistently by Abang Johari with the full support of all GPS component parties.
Lau also highlighted several key achievements secured by the GPS government in recent years, including the state’s regulatory authority over liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the establishment of the state petroleum company as the sole natural gas aggregator, the upgrading of the Public Works Department (PWD), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), and Rural Water Supply Department into state technical departments, as well as Sarawak’s assumption of administrative control over Bintulu Port.
Meanwhile, Lau, who is also SUPP Bawang Assan Branch Chairman, stressed that Sarawak’s long-standing racial harmony and political stability must continue to be preserved to ensure sustainable development and prosperity for future generations.
He urged Sarawakians to continue supporting the GPS government so that efforts to safeguard and reclaim the state’s rights can be carried forward effectively.
“Recognition of Sarawak as one of Malaysia’s equal founding partners is not merely a matter of history or constitutional principle. It serves as a vital foundation for strengthening federal-state relations while ensuring national unity and long-term stability,” he said.
On Thursday (July 30), the Federal Cabinet agreed to relinquish the federal government’s ownership of the RASCOM sites to the Sarawak Government.
In a statement, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability said the transfer involves four sites in Sibu – Nanga Tada, Nanga Jagau, Nanga Ngungun, and Nanga Sekuau – with a combined area of 3,655.60 hectares.
The ministry said the decision reflects the federal government’s continued commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Sarawak Government in line with the spirit of federalism and the implementation of MA63.
Since 2023, the federal government has approved the return of 64 federally owned land parcels to the Sarawak Government as part of ongoing efforts to restore the state’s rights and jurisdiction.
