KUCHING: According ‘territory’ status to Sabah and Sarawak will have little meaning unless it is backed up by efforts to rapidly develop the two states.
Batang Sadong member of parliament Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said all quarters should understand that once Sabah and Sarawak are accorded territory status, they are no longer regarded as states within Malaysia.
She said as such, the return of the status should be translated into equality in terms of development and economy, befitting their status as territories.
“This is the best opportunity for all the people of Sarawak to unite and demand for their rights, as what we did under the devolution of power committee under the previous government.
“As Sarawakians, we should be sensitive to the Federal government’s intent of returning Sarawak’s rights under what is enshrined within the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” said Nancy, who was also former chairman of the Steering Committee for the Implementation of Devolution of Powers between the federal government and Sarawak and Sabah.
She was commenting on Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Malaysia Day announcement that the Federal government aimed to restore Sabah and Sarawak's status as equal partners of the federation as per the MA63.
Dr Mahathir had said this was part of the process which will be carried out after the study on MA63 is completed.
Nancy, meanwhile, said that following the announcement, the people of Sarawak should be ready to shoulder the collective responsibility of monitoring the actions of the Federal government in promising Sabah and Sarawak’s development is on par with the peninsular.
“As a state government which supports and works with the Federal governmenr, we should voice our opinions whenever there is an opportunity.
“We should also make our voices heard to parties here which are under Pakatan Harapan because they too should fight for Sarawak. We should get what we deserve, especially on oil royalties, as with a high income, we can develop even faster,” she said.
Meanwhile, Limbang member of parliament from Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Hasbi Habibollah urged the federal government to remain committed with the efforts to reinstate Sabah and Sarawak’s rights as outlined in MA63.
“What is promised in MA63 must be realised, in line with Sabah and Sarawak’s status as regional states.
“This is important to see a continuation of development in both states, that have been long left out compared to their counterparts in the peninsula.
Sibuti member of parliament Lukanisman Awang Sauni said it was the responsibility of Sabah and Sarawak’s elected representatives to champion the reinstatement of such rights.
“We have informed the matter to the prime minister that the agreement must be honoured.”