Dr Sim: Founding fathers wouldn’t have agreed to Malaysia if they knew of 5 pct O&G royalties, unequitable development

KUCHING (Dec 3): Sarawakians would like to see sincerity from the Madani government in resolving matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

The Deputy Premier said this includes the implementation of health autonomy, education autonomy, one-third representation from Sarawak and Sabah in Parliament, greater share of financial taxation from Sarawak under Article 112(D) of the Federal Constitution, respect Sarawak as the gas aggregator, resolving the Petronas and Petros issue, as well as issues listed under MA63 and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report.

“I am sure our Sarawak’s founding fathers would not have agreed to the formation of Malaysia if they realised that after the formation, we only get 5 per cent of oil royalties for Sarawak’s oil and our development is far behind compared to West Malaysia,” he said in his winding-up speech for the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here.

He said it remains puzzling and disappointing that certain members of the august House have labelled Sarawak’s pursuit of MA63 rights as regionalism or discrimination.

“But luckily Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has agreed in principle for MA63 to be implemented as he called it ‘adil’ or fair to the people of Sarawak and Sabah.

“We are grateful for Datuk Seri Anwar’s stand,” he said.

Dr Sim also highlighted the nationwide admiration for Sarawak’s political stability and unity, saying it has enabled the state to progress without the divisive politics seen in Peninsular Malaysia.

“Many in Malaysia admire Sarawak because we are not divided by the 3R – race, religion, and royalty – as in West Malaysia,” he said.

As Sarawak undergoes exponential progress towards 2030, he called on Sarawakians to remain united and stand in solidarity during these critical years.

“We must be on high alert for ‘anai-anai’ (termites) from both within and outside Sarawak, including anai-anai inside GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak).

“Let every Sarawakian come together with everyone playing their roles and doing their part to contribute and to support the GPS government under Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg in building a stronger Sarawak,” he added.