KUCHING: Sarawak will no longer use the word "state" in all official government affairs once the amendments on Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution are made.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg said as for now Sarawak remains as a state until the Bill is passed in Parliament.
“Yes, we will proceed to look into the issue later,” he said after launching the 2019 Sarawak Career and Training (SCaT) fair at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), here, today.
“After the amendments, we will drop the word ‘state’ as we are no longer a state. But, Sarawak will still be part of Malaysia,” he added.
Last week, Minister of Law in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong said the government has agreed to amend Article 1(2) of Federal Constitution to restore the status of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners with Peninsular Malaysia.
The matter will be tabled by the Technical Work Committee for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in Parliament.
Earlier, Abang Johari also said Sarawak has allocated RM1 billion to upgrade and expand telecommunication infrastructure and ensure that rural areas are able to enjoy high speed internet.
“This year, we will build 300 telecommunication towers and another 300 towers next year. We want our people to enjoy 5G internet service while the remote areas will be connected to (at least) 3G,” he said.
Communication infrastructure and internet facilities are crucial to support Sarawak's transformation into a digital economy.
“We can provide the infrastructure and facilities, but, the youths must know and discover their talents and strength while grabbing the opportunities available and stay competitive,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong said it is important that the education and training pursued by school leavers are well aligned with the needs of the state and the industries.
“It is sad to see some of our graduates becoming unemployed or underemployed while there are many better paying jobs waiting to be filled by those with the relevant qualifications,” he said.
"Therefore, the SCat Fair provides a platform for job seekers with companies that offer various training and job opportunities,” he added.