Former AG Fong Joo Chung: Financial autonomy crucial for Sarawak’s development

Fong speaks to reporters following the Borneo States Symposium opening ceremony and first session on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) held at the Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching on July 27, 2024.

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, July 27: Former State attorney-general Datuk Seri Fong Joo Chung has underscored the importance of financial autonomy for Sarawak, aligning with the State’s ongoing efforts under Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to secure greater control over its resources.

During a doorstop interview following the Borneo States Symposium opening ceremony and first session on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) held today at the Borneo Cultures Museum here, Fong elaborated on the historical and legal context behind Sarawak’s push for autonomy, particularly in the realm of resource management and financial independence.

He highlighted that the State’s pursuit of financial autonomy is crucial for its development, allowing it to manage its resources without over-reliance on federal development grants.

“We cannot depend on the federal government for development grants, which may be insufficient or delayed. For Sarawak to accelerate its development, we need the financial resources to do so,” he said.

The former AG further emphasised that the State’s approach to regaining control over its resources, particularly petroleum, has been strategic and lawful.

This effort aligns with the State’s broader goals of asserting its rights under MA63 and ensuring that Sarawak’s interests are adequately protected and promoted.

Fong also addressed the legal challenges related to the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974, noting that while the PDA vests petroleum resources in Petronas, it does not cover the land, which remains under State jurisdiction.

“Our strategy has been to work within the framework of existing laws, using our Oil Mining Ordinance alongside the PDA, to assert more control over our resources,” he explained.

The call for financial autonomy resonates with the Premier’s stance on safeguarding Sarawak’s rights without infringing on the rights of others.

“The Premier has made it clear that we are not seeking to take away anyone’s rights; we merely want to secure what is rightfully ours,” Fong noted.

For the record, Fong was on the panel for the first session on MA63, along with other notable figures such as Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G Kitingan, former Sabah Law Society (SLS) president Datuk Roger Chin, Moyog assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, and the moderator, Professor Dr James Chin. — DayakDaily