The agreement in principle keeps tourism as a Concurrent List matter, rejecting a proposal for exclusive federal jurisdiction. Photo credit: Ukas

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By Amanda L

MIRI, Sept 13: Sarawak has successfully blocked Putrajaya’s attempt to claim exclusive control over tourism, securing agreement in principle to retain the sector under the Concurrent List, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed.

Speaking at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Northern Sarawak special convention in Miri today, he disclosed that the federal government had proposed reclassifying tourism into the Federal List during recent high-level Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) talks in Kota Kinabalu, attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

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Sarawak firmly rejected the proposal, pointing out that tourism was never designated as an exclusively federal subject in the original constitutional framework.

“Tourism was not specified when Malaysia was formed, making it a residual matter. Therefore, tourism must remain on the Concurrent List between the federal government and the Borneo states.

“The Federal side eventually agreed,” he explained.

He noted that defending Sarawak’s authority over tourism was part of a wider package of constitutional demands raised during the talks, which also included a 5–10 per cent revenue-indexed formula for the Article 112D special grant and restoring one-third parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak.

Abang Johari added that Sarawak will continue pursuing its constitutional rights through practical, rational diplomacy rather than divisive political antics, ensuring the state’s autonomy is safeguarded within the federation. — DayakDaily