KUCHING: Sarawak remains a model in preserving and strengthening unity and social harmony, says Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
The Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri said unity in diversity amid the state’s rich cultures, ethnicities and faiths was the key to Sarawak’s stability and progress.
“We should respect one another and avoid issues that touch on religious, racial and cultural sensitivities,” he said in his opening address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, which held its sitting here yesterday.
Wan Junaidi also expressed appreciation for the close ties between the Federal and Sarawak governments, saying that as a result, various issues involving the state’s rights and interests had been resolved.
“I hope all of Sarawak’s demands enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963, Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report and federal and state constitutions can be resolved speedily to benefit the state and nation.
“I also urge the Federal Government to fulfil its responsibility towards the socioeconomic development and security of Sarawak,” he said.
Additionally, Wan Junaidi called for the collaboration between Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) and PETRONAS to be finalised swiftly to benefit the development of the state’s oil and gas industry and the mutual prosperity of the state and nation.
He thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Federal Government for agreeing to the Sarawak government’s move to appoint Petros as the sole gas aggregator in the state under the Distribution of Gas Ordinance, whereby Sarawak has the executive and legislative power to make state laws on electricity and gas distribution.
He said the move was in line with the recommendation of the IGC Report, which was implemented through the Borneo States (Legislative Power) Order 1963 made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in accordance with Article 95C of the Federal Constitution.
“This constitutional right should be respected to enable Petros to carry out its gas aggregator role and ensure that the development of the gas industry in Sarawak contributes to the national and state economy,” he added.
Earlier, Wan Junaidi inspected a guard of honour, comprising 105 police personnel, during the opening parade.
They were accompanied by a police band playing the national and state anthems.
Prior to the Head of State’s opening address, the state assembly observed a minute’s silence for late former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and former Serian MP Datuk Amar Dominic Dago Randan.
