Abang Johari (centre) gestures during a photocall with GPS leaders and delegates. – Penerangan photo

KUCHING (April 20): Sarawakians are not “introverts” when it comes to defending the state’s rights and interests under constitutional provisions and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said the Premier.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed while cooperation with partners in Peninsular Malaysia remains important, Sarawak’s future must be determined by Sarawakians.

“The future of Sarawak is determined by the people of Sarawak. While we cooperate with our friends in Peninsular Malaysia, only Sarawakians understand our culture and politics.

“That is why during Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s time, we told Umno thank you very much, there is no need for Umno to come into Sarawak, and we want parties from outside Sarawak not to interfere in Sarawak. We already have good cooperation. We are brothers but do not interfere with the Sarawak family.

“We are not introverts. We take into account the needs of Malaysia. But if Sarawak prospers, Malaysia prospers. If Sarawak’s economy is strong, Malaysia is strong … And if Sarawak is divided, Malaysia will also be divided. So, what do we want to protect? We protect Malaysia and we also protect Sarawak,” he said when closing the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Convention 2026 here on Sunday.

He reaffirmed that GPS would continue to defend Sarawak’s rights based on facts and constitutional provisions under MA63.

“We in Gabungan Parti Sarawak will continue to fight for our rights through facts and the provisions under the Malaysia Agreement,” he stressed.

On Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS), he said it has created new opportunities, especially in carbon trading.

“Carbon trading is something new and currently exclusive to Sarawak and Sabah,” he said.

He pointed out Sarawak strongly defended its constitutional rights when the federal government initially considered centralising control over carbon matters.

“At first, the federal government wanted to take over that power. I said land is Sarawak’s right. Carbon trading is part of Sarawak’s land assets. If you take it, you are breaching the agreement and our constitutional rights.

“Alhamdullilah, it was agreed that Sabah and Sarawak are excluded, so we manage carbon trading ourselves,” he said.

Abang Johari added formulating climate legislation requires proper consultation due to its link with carbon governance.

“They were proposing a climate change law. The minister came and I said please discuss first with our SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) team because climate change is linked to carbon trading.

“Trees on Sarawak’s land mean Sarawak has rights over them, as they produce oxygen and help regulate greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

Carbon trading involves sovereign arrangements, but any tax framework must recognise Sarawak’s role, he stated.

“Carbon trading is sovereign-to-sovereign between Malaysia and other countries. It is a federal government matter, but carbon tax design must consider Sarawak’s rights and resources,” he said.

Abang Johari said GPS will continue a cautious and legally grounded approach in new economic areas.

“God willing, the leadership in GPS will prioritise our rights in Sarawak. This must be implemented. Do not rush, because if we rush, it will be bad. We must carefully study it according to the existing legal framework,” he added.