Sarawak governor says close state-federal ties helped resolve rights issues
KUCHING: Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the close relationship between the federal and Sarawak governments has helped resolve the state's long standing demands for unfulfilled rights.
The Sarawak governor said it also helped return the lost rights which were agreed upon in return for joining the federation.
He said he was also confident this close relationship will ensure that Sarawak receives all entitlements enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report 1962, and the Federal and Sarawak constitutions.
"I hope that all of Sarawak's claims can be resolved by the federal government promptly, so that it will benefit both Sarawak and the nation," he said in his address to open the first sitting of the Sarawak legislative assembly for the year.
At the same time, Wan Junaidi urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration in Putrajaya to "fulfil its responsibilities regarding the economic, social, and security development of Sarawak".
He said the sincerity and commitment of Anwar through his Malaysia Madani principles will undoubtedly have a positive impact in fostering the Segulai Sejalai spirit towards inclusive development for Sarawak.
On the national petroleum company, Petronas, and state-owned petroleum company, Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) dispute over gas rights in the state, he said the federal government's agreement to Sarawak's move to appoint Petros as the sole gas aggregator in the state was correct .
"This move is consistent with the 1962 IGC Report's recommendations and was implemented through the Borneo States (Legislative Powers) Order 1963, issued under Article 95C of the Federal Constitution by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"This constitutional right must be respected to allow Petros to perform its role in developing the gas industry and contributing to the economies of both Sarawak and Malaysia," he added.
Wan Junaidi also expressed hope that Petros and Petronas would finalise their collaboration soon, noting the importance of a cohesive oil and gas ecosystem for mutual prosperity.
Petros' appointment as the sole gas aggregator in the state was made under the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016.
The law empowers the Sarawak government with executive and legislative authority over electricity and gas distribution in the state.
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