(From left) Abang Johari, Wan Junaidi and Fauziah watch the performance held in conjuction with the state-level Malaysia Day celebration at the Bintulu Old Airport grounds last night. – Bernama photo

BINTULU (Sept 17): Sarawak will continue to fight to restore its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) for the well-being of the people, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He stressed that the state’s struggle is “not over”, despite many achievements made through close cooperation between the state and federal governments.

Among these achievements, he said, were the amendment to the Federal Constitution in 2021; the appointment of Petros as sole gas aggregator in Sarawak; recognition of state’s Public Works Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department and Rural Water Supply Department as technical departments; having a representative in Inland Revenue Board, amendment to Sarawak Labour Ordinance; and the takeover of Bintulu Port from federal government.

“The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, while serving as a minister in charge of law, was also involved in the process of restoring Sarawak’s status as an equal partner in the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

“This is not only a recognition of history, but also a commitment to a more just and balanced future,” he said during the state-level Malaysia Day celebration at the Bintulu Old Airport grounds here last night.

The event was graced by Wan Junaidi and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

Abang Johari also revealed that the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the MA63 Implementation Action Council in Kuching on Sept 12, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to restoring the rights of Sarawak and Sabah.

“One of the agreements reached was that the federal government is prepared to consider increasing the number of Dewan Rakyat seats for Sarawak and Sabah.

“This step is important to ensure the voices of the people in both states receive fairer representation.

“In addition, it was agreed that the Cabinet will submit a proposal to amend the Federal Constitution to enable the appointment of judicial commissioners in Sarawak and Sabah to be confirmed by the respective Yang di-Pertua Negeri. This is proof of recognition of the special position of both states in the Federation,” he said.

On environmental management, he said Sarawak is set to assume greater authority with the exemption of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, expected to be tabled in Parliament in December.

“This means we are moving towards having full authority to determine our own environmental policies and direction according to the needs, interests, and aspirations of our people.

“This is proof that Sarawak is not just part of Malaysia, but an equal partner in building this nation,” he stressed.

On development, Abang Johari said Sarawak has recorded several achievements that have placed Malaysia on the global stage.

These include the production of the KETEQ AI power converter device and the development of advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) compound semiconductor chips.

“In the field of air transport, Sarawak will emerge as a regional aviation hub when AirBorneo becomes operational in 2026. This will further strengthen the aviation sector in the region, boosting trade and tourism.

“In the banking industry, the acquisition of a majority stake in Affin Bank will open up more access to financing for local entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and explore new opportunities,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.

About 10,000 people attended the gathering.