Return of autonomy augurs well with partner status

KUCHING: The restoration of certain autonomy rights to Sarawak highlights the state’s long-standing status as a key partner in Malaysia.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan expressed his gratitude to the federal government for giving back autonomy to Sarawak in important areas.

One of them is Bintulu Port which now belongs to the Sarawak government, and this is due to the joint efforts to reach an agreement at the negotiation platform.

“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), and the Inter-governmental Committee (IGC) report,” he said in his Malaysia Day message.

Awang Tengah, who is Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment as well as Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, also called on the public to maintain harmony and nurture the relationships that have been fostered over the years.

He added that this year’s Malaysia Day theme, ‘Jiwa Merdeka’, reminds everyone that independence is not just freedom from physical colonialism, but also from mental and cultural colonialism.

“We must be free from influences that deviate from the eastern cultural values that we hold dear.

“I pray that our country will always remain peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous under God’s protection. Happy Malaysia Day,” he said.