KUCHING: Close ties between the Sarawak and Federal Government are vital for development and the restoration of rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), says Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
He said Sarawak still needed financial allocations and ongoing commitment from Putrajaya to implement development projects.
“In this respect, I urge the Federal Government to continue providing sufficient development funds in line with Sarawak’s rights and status as a region (in Malaysia).
“This is particularly needed for education, health, security, border development and road networks,” he said when opening the Sarawak Legislative Assembly’s first meeting this year yesterday.
Wan Junaidi also called on the Sarawak government to continue efforts to reclaim eroded rights under MA63.
He expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for forming the MA63 implementation action council and technical committee as a platform to discuss Sarawak’s claims.
“The restoration of Sarawak’s rights enshrined in MA63 is something close to my heart.
“With the close cooperation and relationship between Sarawak and the Federal Government, I am confident that our rights and claims under MA63 can be realised,” he said.
On development, Wan Junaidi said the state government was committed to providing quality education and health facilities.
“I am pleased that the Federal Government has agreed with the state government’s approach to implement education and health projects at its own cost first and to be reimbursed later by the Federal Government.
“Through this approach, the development of ... facilities in Sarawak can be sped up,” he said.
Wan Junaidi also said Sarawak needed federal funds and support for Infrastructure development such as roads, flood mitigation projects, river erosion control, telecommunications, and water and electricity supply.
“I hope the Federal Government will remain committed in implementing basic infrastructure projects in Sarawak to ensure the people’s well-being and spur socioeconomic growth,” he said.
This was the first time Wan Junaidi opened the Sarawak Legislative Assembly meeting since being appointed Yang di-Pertua Negeri on Jan 26, succeeding Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud.
