SUPP leader urges deeper appreciation of Sarawak's unique status in Malaysia

Borneo Post

6 days ago

Kua Jack Seng
KUCHING (July 21): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Engkilili branch chief Kua Jack Seng has called for a deeper appreciation of Sarawak's unique status in Malaysia, cautioning against narratives that disregard the state's constitutional rights and historical standing within the Federation.
Responding to an article titled 'We Are All Malaysians' by Democratic Action Party's (DAP) Wong Lee Ting, Kua said while the message of unity is laudable, it risks downplaying Sarawak's position as a founding partner of Malaysia.
'Let us be very clear — Sarawak did not join Malaysia in 1963. We formed Malaysia together with Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), and Singapore as equal founding partners under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),' said Kua, who is also a political secretary to the Premier, in a statement.
According to him, the safeguards enshrined in MA63, including Sarawak's control over immigration, land, education, language policy, and taxation, are rights and not privileges.
'While we proudly identify as Malaysians, that identity must be built on mutual respect and constitutional equality — not imposed uniformity or historical revisionism,' Kua said.
He criticised Wong's call to 'let go of labels' and 'not divide ourselves' as idealistic and potentially harmful if used to dismiss Sarawak's legitimate aspirations.
'Portraying the assertion of a Sarawakian identity as divisive is misleading,' he said.
Kua argued that Sarawak's demands are neither excessive nor unreasonable but necessary corrections to long-standing imbalances in the Federation.
'For too long, Sarawak has contributed richly to the national economy, especially through oil and gas, while receiving disproportionately little in return. Our people are rightfully asking — where is the fairness? Where is the respect?'
Kua reiterated several key demands, including the full implementation of MA63 with the restored autonomy in education, healthcare, fiscal policy, and natural resources; the reinstatement of one-third parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak as originally agreed; a greater share and control over oil and gas revenues; and the protection of Sarawak's multicultural and multireligious identity.
He warned that West Malaysian-style extremism has no place in Sarawak's tolerant society.
'These are essential corrections to decades of centralisation and neglect. If we are truly 'all Malaysians,' then let the spirit of Malaysia be one of equality, not dominance,' he said.
Kua emphasised that Sarawakians are not anti-Malaysia but want a Malaysia that respects their rights, history, and identity.
'True unity is not about erasing identities or asking Sarawakians to compromise endlessly. It is about acknowledging past wrongs and committing to fairness and federal balance,' he added.
'Yes, we are all Malaysians. But never forget — we are also Sarawakians. And that really matters to a true Sarawakian.' Kua Jack Seng lead malaysia status