We can demand state rights but still be patriotic, says Abang Jo

SIBU: Demanding the return of state rights as per the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) does not mean the people of Sarawak do not have a patriotic spirit, says the state's Premier.

"The people of Sarawak want the rights and privileges of the state to be respected and recognised by the Federal Government.

"This does not mean they do not have a high national spirit and patriotism," Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said at the state-level National Day celebration in Betong on Wednesday (Aug 31).

Citing the sporting arena as an example, he said Sarawakians Pandelela Rinong and Bonnie Bunyau Gustin fought valiantly for the national anthem to be played at international competitions.

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"Sarawakians were also proud when national badminton doubles players Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik won the world championship in Tokyo three days ago," he said.

Abang Johari added it was common knowledge that the country was formed when three regions as well as Singapore at the time agreed to merge based on the MA63 Agreement and Inter-Government Committee Report or IGC that accorded privileges to Sarawak and Sabah.

"After 59 years of the establishment of Malaysia, all Malaysians need to understand the concept of Federation and have a high spirit of nationalism.

"It is also necessary that Sarawak's privileges or rights are not questioned (and) steps are taken to respect what has been agreed by previous leaders," he said.

He further said that though the Federal Government holds certain powers, and likewise for the state government, there must be cooperation and collaboration between the two so that development can be carried out smoothly.

"Without close cooperation between the state and federal sides, those who will lose in the end are the people," he said, adding that Sarawak is always open to such cooperation for the benefit of all.

However, should any dispute arise about the powers and rights of the two parties, it should be left to the courts to decide.

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"Therefore, when Sarawak asked for state sales tax (SST) on petroleum products, it was determined by the court that Sarawak has the right to impose SST," he said.

He added that Sarawak has collected RM8bil in SST since 2019, and this year's collection is expected to increase with recent upward trends in the price of crude oil.

Sarawak's increased income goes back to the people through the implementation of various development programmes and aid, he said.

"Even though Sarawak and PETRONAS faced off in court, now there is good cooperation between the two parties to advance the oil and gas industry in Sarawak, both downstream and upstream, because that is the aspiration of the state's people.

"This collaboration was (ratified) under a commercial settlement agreement... by both parties in December 2020," he said.

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Among other things, Abang Johari noted, PETRONAS committed to channel more resources to develop a petrochemical hub in Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu with the construction of a second gas distribution plant there.

"I am confident that through this collaboration and collaboration with other parties, Sarawak will have its petrochemical hub itself which will provide more employment opportunities for the people of Sarawak, especially the youth," he said.

Among those present at the celebration were Head of State Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib, deputy premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and minister-in-charge of the celebration, Datuk Julaihi Narawi.