State Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting replying a question at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting on Tuesday (Nov 12). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak and Putrajaya are still negotiating the reinstatement of tourism autonomy to the state, says Datuk Sebastian Ting.
The state Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said the Sarawak government's position is that tourism should be moved from the federal list to the concurrent list in the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
He said this had been conveyed to the federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) on May 31, and reaffirmed at the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) implementation action council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Sept 12.
"The Prime Minister subsequently directed Motac to re-engage in discussions with the Sarawak and Sabah governments to reach a consensus among all three parties.
(Sabah also holds a similar position on tourism autonomy.)
"My ministry remains committed to continuing dialogue and negotiations with Motac on our proposal to move tourism from the federal list to the concurrent list, which would grant concurrent powers to both the Federal and Sarawak governments," he told Lo Khere Chiang (GPS-Batu Kitang) during question time in the Sarawak legislative assembly on Tuesday (Nov 12).
Ting said this change would strengthen Sarawak's autonomy in managing its tourism sector in line with the state's needs and opportunities.
He said having tourism rights would allow Sarawak the flexibility to develop the industry through local laws in terms of promoting investment in tourism infrastructure, developing the capability of the local workforce and improving connectivity and facilities.
"Our ministry will focus on key tourism areas including international marketing promotion by showcasing Sarawak's unique culture, natural beauty and sustainable practices and positioning Sarawak as a premier tourist destination to attract investors and business partners," he added.
