SIBU: The younger generation must understand the history behind Sarawak’s efforts to restore its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said understanding the state’s past is essential for young Sarawakians to appreciate why issues relating to Sarawak’s rights and autonomy remain important today.
He said the journey of safeguarding Sarawak’s position within the federation was shaped by concerns that some powers originally granted to the state under the federal system had gradually eroded over the years.
“Throughout our journey, we sometimes forgot that the powers given to Sarawak through the concept of federalism had been reduced. That is why it is important for our young people to understand why we are now talking about Sarawak’s rights and interests,” he said during the Sarawak Day Townhall held here today (July 22).
He credited the late former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem with reviving public awareness of Sarawak’s rights, particularly in ensuring the state received greater benefits from its natural resources.
He recalled Adenan’s strong stance on the issue of oil and gas, saying the late leader questioned why Sarawak, despite being a major producer of these resources, was not receiving sufficient benefits.
“Tok Nan once said, ‘If oil is in Kelantan, if oil is in Terengganu, I do not care. If oil and gas are in Sarawak, I care.’ This reflected our disappointment that Sarawak must be able to benefit from what was agreed under MA63,” he said.
Abang Johari said Adenan’s position was not merely about resources, but about ensuring that the rights agreed upon during the formation of Malaysia were properly recognised.
He said Adenan’s efforts also included declaring July 22 as Sarawak Day in 2016, recognising the historical significance of the date when Sarawak began governing itself under a Sarawakian Chief Minister in 1963.
“After I took over in 2017, I continued Tok Nan’s efforts and the efforts of the leaders before us,” he said.
Abang Johari said the ongoing pursuit of Sarawak’s rights was not about challenging the federation, but about ensuring that the original understanding and arrangements under MA63 were respected.
He added that a strong understanding of history among young Sarawakians would help ensure that future generations could continue safeguarding the state’s interests.
