SARAWAK’s assertion of its rights has always been conducted within the framework of existing laws.
Having said this, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63, State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said Sarawak has never acted “ultra” vires, beyond its constitutional authority.
“This means we never go beyond our legal and constitutional authority, we acted within the parameters and bounds of all rules and regulations, within the bounds of the Federal Constitution, Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report 1963, State Constitution and State laws.
“Let it be known to the world that we are a prudent and stable government. Not flimsy, jittery, not easily rattled and never erratic that will put Sarawak first and at the same time upholding Malaysia,” she said.
She said this when moving the motion of adjournment of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Touching on MA63, she said the agreement had ‘given birth’ to Malaysia.
“In pursuance of our right under MA63 … for whatever that we have succeeded in achieving, we say thank you to the federal government and for all matters that are still outstanding, we shall continue to pursue and fight for our right.
“We will be unapologetic in our approach yet diplomatic and will always put ‘Sarawak First’,” she said.
On Sarawak’s development, she said the state aimed to be a high income economy and an advanced nation by the year 2030 right through 2050 in line with the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“We also aspire to be the Energy Battery for ASEAN in line with global trends and environmental sustainability. This is Sarawak’s Aspiration which will, God willing, bring in more economic success and will improve the standard of living of the Rakyat,” she said.
She said these aspirations hinge on the availability of talent and capable human capital to lead and implement transformative initiatives.
“At the national front, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) under the leadership of the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) is a stabiliser, that helps the country to remain stable and a voice of reason in today’s political landscape.
“Nationally, we are respected by both friends and our economic performance and the revenue generated by our leadership has been the biggest ever in our history and is the envy of every other state in Malaysia.
“And I must say, we have never been so proud calling ourselves ‘Sarawakians’,” she said, while adding on the international stage, Sarawak’s name is shining bright like a diamond where international investors are showing interest in Sarawak and see it as the next investment hub.
Earlier, the sitting adjourned sine die at 5.13pm after convening for eight days.
