State-federal ties sweet for fulfillment of MA63

KAPIT: The relationship between the Sarawak government and the federal government remains ‘sweet’ as the promises enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 are still being fulfilled, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“Our leaders of the past had a far-sighted vision, as reflected in the legendary words of Tun Jugah Barieng: ‘Anang Malaysia baka tebu, manis dipun tabar di hujung.’

“Sugarcane is sweet at first, but once it’s finished, only the bitter remains; yet fortunately, it is still sweet to this day,” he said at the ‘Pemimpin bersama Rakyat’ (Leaders with the People) programme, which was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Kapit Civic Centre on Sunday (Sept 29).

Abang Johari expressed his gratitude not only to past leaders who had a far-reaching vision but also to Anwar for fulfilling the promises made by leaders at the time of forming Malaysia.

He stressed that the MA63 should become the ‘bible’ for strengthening the nation of Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Anwar, said that the Sarawak government has never demanded or threatened the federal government regarding the fulfilment of promises made under MA63.

However, he noted that the Sarawak government has made some suggestions to the federal government.

“I do not take a defensive stance in defending MA63. That is why, from the beginning of my tenure as Prime Minister, despite criticism in Parliament from the opposition, I have not feared losing support or facing threats.

“There have never been any threats, although there were suggestions. I have never felt intimidated (by the Sarawak government). In politics and in life, we learn about humanity.

“We must fulfil our promises, some of which are our own and some of which are our forefathers’. We must carry them out with integrity so that they can rest in peace, knowing that their decisions were wise and justified,” he said.

Also present were Work Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Minister of Digital and Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leonard Linggi Jugah.