KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has dismissed claims that the GPS-led state government has made unnecessary demands in return for the support given to the federal government.
In the Keluar Sekejap interview hosted by Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan today, Abang Johari said Sarawak only wants whoever is forming the next federal administration to restore the state's rights, in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
"I want to make it clear that we (GPS) have never made demands (unnecessarily). You want me (GPS), I support you but I never demand with the three prime ministers. If I want to demand, I would demand other things.
"Except that I only ask for them (the federal government) to respect the agreement. Any prime minister must acknowledge the MA63, isn't that right?
"If any of you were to become prime minister one day (referring to Khairy and Shahril), you would need to do the same thing and acknowledge (the agreement)," he said in the podcast.
Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pledged his commitment to fulfilling the promises and agreements made during the formation of Malaysia, including the MA63, as part of his role as a representative of the "generasi penerus" or the next generation.
In his commitment, he also emphasised the importance of preventing any perception among the people of Sabah and Sarawak that those in the Peninsula are marginalising them.
Anwar also said it is the responsibility of the upcoming generation to honour the commitments made and the agreements signed to solidify the identity of a united and renowned 'Bangsa Malaysia'.