Premier: Sarawak’s federal requests justified as better deals essential for dev’t as vast as Peninsula M’sia

Dr Sim, who is representing Abang Johari, speaking during at Thanksgiving Ceremony by Other Religions held in conjunction with Sarawak-level 2024 Malaysia Day Celebration in Sri Aman Civic Centre on Sept 14, 2024.

By Christopher Lidom

KUCHING, Sept 14: Sarawak’s requests from federal are justified by its constitutional rights and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), for better deals will enable the development of the region, which is as vast as Peninsular Malaysia.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is committed to advocating for a more prosperous Sarawak, in tandem with the rest of Malaysia.

“Sarawak’s requests from federal leaders are fair and rooted in the legal rights enshrined in the Constitution and MA63.

“With better deals from the federal government through MA63, we will be able to develop Sarawak to its full potential,” he said in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the Thanksgiving Ceremony by Other Religions in Sri Aman Civic Centre today.

The ceremony held in conjunction with Sarawak-level 2024 Malaysia Day celebration was streamed live via Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) social media.

Abang Johari also assured that the GPS government will continue to drive Sarawak’s development while ensuring stability in the federal government.

“We will uphold the spirit of MA63 to safeguard Sarawak’s rights within the Federation of Malaysia at all times.

“The development and well-being of Sarawak and Malaysia is a shared responsibility,” he pointed out.

Highlighting the Sarawak government’s support for houses of worship, Abang Johari noted that the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) has completed 778 projects worth RM100.4 million and is funding 623 more projects totalling RM148.9 million.

These projects encompass new buildings, maintenance, repairs, renovations, as well as the purchase of fittings, equipment and religious instruments.

“Rest assured, we will continue our support. This is our promise in GPS,” he concluded. — DayakDaily