Abang Johari speaks during the opening ceremony of PPNS new building in Kota Samarahan on Sept 25, 2024. Photo credit: UKAS

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By DayakDaily Team

KOTA SAMARAHAN, Sept 25: The Sarawak government will request the federal government to restore its authority to appoint the Sarawak Farmers Association (PPNS) board of directors to fulfil the conditions under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

According to a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the devolution of power will speed up the development of the agricultural sector in Sarawak.

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According to him, Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (MFICORD) Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom will discuss with Sarawak Attorney General Datu Saferi Ali to iron out details of this request to be submitted to the Federal government.

“If the PPNS has gained power, then give the same power to the Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPK),” he said when speaking at the opening ceremony of the new PPNS building here today.

Previously, the minister responsible for agriculture in Sarawak was authorised to appoint the board of directors for PPNS and PPK.

However, that authority was withdrawn in 2018 and placed under the authority of the Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture, despite agriculture being placed under the State List in the Federal Constitution. — DayakDaily