Deputy Premier: Restoration of autonomy proof Sarawak recognised as partner in Malaysia

Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 15: The restoration of certain autonomy rights demonstrates that Sarawak is acknowledged as a key partner within Malaysia.

In stating this, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan expressed gratitude to the federal government for the return of autonomy in important areas such as education and infrastructure development.

“For example, Bintulu Port now belongs to the Sarawak government, as a result of joint efforts to reach an agreement at the negotiation table. This proves that Sarawak has always been recognised as a partner in Malaysia.

“Progress requires us to move together, guided by the principles of justice and rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), as well as the Inter-governmental Committee (IGC) report,” he said in his Malaysia Day message today.

Awang Tengah who is the Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR) further called for the preservation of harmony and close relationships that have been built.

“This year’s Malaysia Day theme, ‘Jiwa Merdeka’, reminds us that independence is not just freedom from physical colonialism, but also colonialism of the mind. We must be free from influences that deviate from the eastern cultural values that we hold fast.

“Finally, I pray that our country will always be under the protection of Allah SWT, continue to be peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous. Happy Malaysia Day,” he said. — DayakDaily