MIRI: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government will continue efforts to reclaim Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said Sarawak had successfully reclaimed nine of its rights so far, and would persist in negotiations with the federal government to restore the remainder that have been eroded over time.
He stressed Sarawak’s position in Malaysia was built upon agreed conditions and privileges, and that the state would continue to assert what is rightfully provided.
“When Sarawak joined Malaya, Singapore, and North Borneo to form Malaysia on Aug 31, 1963, there were clear safeguards outlined.
“I acknowledge that there are certain quarters within and outside Sarawak trying to portray the state as being ‘excessive’ and greedy.
“But what Sarawak is asking for is clearly provided for in the Federal Constitution and MA63 since the formation of Malaysia,” he said during the Sarawak Day 2025 celebration here last night (Jul 22).
Abang Johari said the good working relationship between the Sarawak and federal governments would continue, especially under the current leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He noted that Sarawak was now represented at the federal level by a Deputy Prime Minister– Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, for the first time in history, along with several ministers from the state, which reflected Sarawak’s growing political strength under GPS.
He expressed confidence that Sarawak’s pursuit of prosperity would not come at the expense of the nation’s overall development.
“Increased revenue for Sarawak, particularly through the state sales tax (SST), will not reduce national income, as the federal government has ample room to expand its revenue without burdening the people.
“The GPS government greatly values the strong working relationship we currently have with the federal government,” he added.
