Sarawak's MA63 fight rooted in law, not emotion, says Sharifah Hasidah
KUCHING (July 20): The fight to reclaim Sarawak's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is rooted in legal foundations and not driven by emotions or rhetoric, said Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
The Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak's Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) pointed out that the Sarawak government's efforts in pursuing Sarawak's rights are firmly grounded in the Federal Constitution, MA63, and relevant federal and state laws.
'It is important for the people to know that what we are fighting for is not arbitrary or based on emotions.
'Everything we do is based on legal principles and facts, anchored in the laws that already exist, including the Malaysia Agreement itself,' she told reporters when met after closing the 'Minda Madani' Transformation Workshop on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusuf at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here today.
Sharifah Hasidah stressed that this was why continuous engagement and education efforts were necessary to ensure the public understands the legal basis behind Sarawak's demands.
'People need to know what we are truly advocating for.
'This is why programmes like this 'Minda Madani' Transformation Workshop are important to enable us to explain MA63 in a simple, clear, and accessible manner,' she said.
She noted that some of Sarawak's rights have been eroded over time and must be reclaimed, in line with what was agreed upon when the state signed the MA63.
'What's most important is knowledge. Our people must understand these issues.
'That is why we must continue to raise awareness and explain MA63 clearly to the public,' she said.
The three-day workshop, which started on Friday (July 18), was attended by 54 participants from Tupong, Samariang and Satok state constituencies.
Also present was Malaysia Information Department senior director (Management) Naim Fahmi Ahmad Tajuddin.
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