KUCHING: Sarawak is prepared to defend its position on judicial appointments to the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Federal and State Constitutions.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the matter, including the consultative role of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT), has long been addressed within established legal and institutional frameworks and should not be disputed.
He explained that judicial appointments are made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong with consultation practices involving the TYT for judicial matters related to the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak.
“When judges are to be appointed, it has become customary that our TYT must be consulted. I was in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) committee for a long time, this matter has already been resolved.
“But some people are trying to raise it again. If they want to bring it to court, we will counter with facts,” he said when addressing the closing ceremony of the GPS Convention 2026 on Sunday (Apr 19).
Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak will continue to uphold its legal position under existing laws including those predating the formation of Malaysia which remain valid under MA63.
He said Sarawak will continue to uphold both the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO) and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO), noting that both laws remain in force.
“Some people are questioning our laws, including whether the OMO is still valid. We must be ready to debate this because laws that existed before Malaysia are still recognised and remain relevant under MA63.
“If people question us, we will respond. If they bring it to court, we will go to court. We are ready. We are not afraid to defend our position, if necessary,” he said.
Abang Johari who is also the chairman Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) said all elected representatives under the coalition have taken an oath to uphold both the Sarawak and Federal Constitutions.
He emphasised that Sarawak will continue to act within the rule of law and reject any notion stating that the state is acting outside legal boundaries.
“We are not people from the jungle. We are civilised, and we understand the law. Do not underestimate Sarawakians,” he warned.
Abang Johari stressed that GPS will continue to defend Sarawak’s rights through legal and constitutional means, guided by the spirit of MA63.
“We are not greedy. We fight based on law and the agreement made when Malaysia was formed. Sarawak First means prioritising Sarawak’s rights in accordance with the Constitution and MA63,” he said.
