Following attempts to portray Sarawak as greedy, Premier points out state's demands enshrined in Federal Constitution, MA63
MIRI (July 23): Sarawak is asserting its rights by fighting for what has long been enshrined in the Federal Constitution and Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said the Premier.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg noted that Sarawak's demands for its rights have been portrayed by certain quarters, both within and outside the state, as being 'excessive' and 'greedy'.
'I am confident that our efforts to ensure Sarawak's prosperity will not undermine the overall development of the country.
'Increased revenue for Sarawak, particularly through the State Sales Tax (SST), will not reduce the nation's overall income, as the federal government still has ample fiscal space to enhance its revenue without burdening the people,' he said during the Sarawak Day celebration at Miri Indoor Stadium last night.
He recalled Sarawak's historic decision to form Malaysia with Malaya, Singapore, and North Borneo on Aug 31, 1963 came with agreed terms and special rights for the sake of peace and prosperity.
As such, Abang Johari reaffirmed that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government will continue its negotiations with Putrajaya to reclaim all rights under MA63.
'To date, we have succeeded in regaining nine of those rights. Our struggle will not stop until all that was eroded is restored,' he stressed.
On Sarawak's relationship with Putrajaya, he expressed appreciation for the current good relations under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Under Anwar's Madani-led government, he said Sarawak is now represented at the federal level by Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof in addition to several ministers from the state.
'Never before has a Sarawakian been entrusted with the role of deputy prime minister. This clearly shows that Sarawak, under the GPS platform, is a political force that commands respect and recognition,' he added.
Touching on Sarawak's economic growth, Abang Johari highlighted the state's impressive economic trajectory, having recorded its highest-ever revenue of RM14 billion in 2024, up from RM13.3 billion the previous year.
'For 2025, we have tabled a record RM15.8 billion state budget – the largest in Sarawak's history to create an inclusive economy and open more opportunities for the people,' he said.
The Sarawak flag Ibu Pertiwi is raised during the event. – Photo by Jenifer Laeng
He added that Sarawak is beginning to reap more benefits from its oil and gas resources through SST and profit-sharing with Petronas via Petros.
He stressed that Sarawak's control over these resources has enabled the state to strengthen its finances and implement development under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Abang Johari said Sarawak's trade statistics also show a 46 per cent increase in trade value within the last six years, from RM136 billion in 2019 to RM199 billion in 2024.
'With this momentum, I am confident we will reach RM282 billion in trade by 2030, in line with PCDS targets,' he said.
He pointed out that the World Bank has recognised Sarawak as a high-income region for three consecutive years since 2022 based on a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of RM73,100 (US$17,000) as of 2024, exceeding the high-income threshold of RM63,800 (US$15,000).
With this status, he said that Sarawak now ranks fourth nationwide, behind Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Penang, and ahead of Selangor.
He credited clear and forward-looking economic policies for enabling Sarawak to achieve high-income status eight years ahead of schedule.
On downstream industries and renewable energy, the Premier said Sarawak will continue to add value to its natural resources through downstream industries, especially in oil and gas, guided by the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR).
'The SGR is expected to attract RM300 billion in investments and generate RM120 billion in economic output within the next 10 years,' he said.
Sarawak also aims to generate up to 15,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2035, for both domestic use and export to Asean countries.
'These efforts will drive the economy forward and create employment, helping to dispel the outdated notion that Sarawak is a rich state with poor people,' he said.
Wan Junaidi (front centre) watches the fireworks display flanked by Fauziah and Abang Johari. – Ukas photo
While moving forward economically, Abang Johari said Sarawak must also preserve its cultural heritage and moral values.
He stressed that these traditions are a foundation for social harmony and unity.
'Our participation in the Unity Government is a testament to our commitment to coexistence and mutual respect.
'With solid foundations in place, I am optimistic Sarawak is on the right path to becoming a fully developed region by 2030,' he said.
Among those present at the Sarawak Day celebration were Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi; Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof; as well as Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Abang Johari Sarawak's rights
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