Sarawak merely asserting its rights, not infringing others

SIBU: The Sarawak government is asserting its own rights, not infringing on those of others, said Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.

In stating this the Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development refuted claims that Sarawak is encroaching on others’ rights through its demands to the federal government.

“Anyone claiming that we (Sarawak) are asking for or seizing others’ rights is mistaken. Such claims are entirely untrue.

“Those making such allegations do not grasp the terms of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, which were agreed upon during the formation of Malaysia. We are simply requesting our rights,” he said during a ‘ngiling bidai’ celebration at Rh Dick last night (June 16).

The Nangka Assemblyman stressed the importance of Sarawakians understanding what Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the Sarawak government, led by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), are fighting for in their effort to claim Sarawak’s rights.

“We are not seizing, taking, or grabbing others’ rights; instead, we are claiming our own rights.

“I went to the peninsula, and they questioned why Sarawak has so many demands and never stops. We are not asking; we are claiming our rights, not the rights of others,” he said.

Dr Annuar also commented on Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggung Jugah Barieng’s wise advice during the formation of Malaysia.

“Tun Jugah was very farsighted, as he feared our descendants would not receive our rights. He said, ‘Malaysia should not be like the sugar cane, sweet at the head and getting less and less sweet towards the end,'” he said.

He hoped every Sarawakian will understand and support the Sarawak government in fighting for their rights as enshrined in MA63.

Also present were Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong, Political Secretary to Sarawak Premier Sayed Azmee Wan Junaidi, Temenggong Stanley Gramong Bandar, Pemanca Paing Tawi, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu branch Chairman Chambai Lindong and Tr Dick.