Sarawak’s efforts to reclaim its eroded rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are not new claims or demands.
These rights and privileges were agreed upon by our forefathers in 1963. They are legitimate and should be respected by all.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reemphasized this when officiating at the state-level Sarawak Day Celebration in Bintulu, Sarawak on July 22.
He assured fellow Malaysians in Malaya that while reclaiming these rights, Sarawak has no intention of neglecting national interests.
“All parties should respect these agreements as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, MA63, and the Inter-Governmental Committee Reports (IGC Report).”
To have a better grasp of this, they would have to look back at history, back to when Sarawak was ruled by the White Rajahs.
For a start, did you know that Sarawak had its constitution way back in 1941, exactly 100 years after being ruled by the Brookes?
Based on history, the drafting of Sarawak’s Constitution aligned with the Brookes’ desire to transfer governance of Sarawak to its people, as expressed in the Nine Cardinal Principles of Brooke governance.
However, this transfer of power did not materialize due to the outbreak of World War II. After the war, Sarawak’s aspiration for self-governance was again thwarted when the Brooke family handed over control to the British. The British were considered a safer option at the time, as Sarawak lacked sufficient resources for self-administration following the war.
Abang Johari said if not for these unfavourable circumstances, Sarawak would have achieved independence and sovereignty much earlier than 1963.
Sadly, the premier said many people in the state and fellow Malaysians in Malaya, particularly Generation Z, are unaware of this.
They need to understand this issue in its historical context to better grasp the demands made. It is quite straightforward: that’s why Sarawak insists on using the phrase “reclaiming eroded rights”— it reflects exactly what the Sarawak government is fighting for.
These rights and privileges were agreed upon when Sarawak joined the Federation of Malaya, Sabah (then North Borneo), and Singapore to form the Federation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963. These rights cannot be handed over to others and are non-negotiable.
These rights and privileges, as enshrined in its laws before Malaysia’s formation, will remain in force unless amended in Parliament with the consent of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly. To date, Sarawak has never relinquished its rights as a founding partner in the formation of Malaysia.
This sometimes makes me wonder why some leaders in the Federal government seem to complicate things, practically forcing Sarawak to beg for the restoration of its eroded rights, even though these rights are protected by law.
I believe the main reason why many are unaware of this aspect of history is because of a lack of emphasis on it in our education system, particularly in the school history syllabus and in public discourse.
And though it might seem unfair for me to say this, I sincerely believe that some so-called leaders pretend to be unaware despite being well-informed for reasons only they know. Additionally, I sincerely believe some refuse to accept reality out of jealousy.
With this in mind, I urge fellow Sarawakians, regardless of political affiliation, ideologies, age group, race, and religion, to rally behind the Sarawak government in reclaiming the eroded rights under MA63.
While we may have different opinions on many things, when it comes to the eroded rights and privileges under MA63, we should all stay united and speak with one voice to ensure they are fully restored.
I believe that as Sarawakians, we are all duty-bound to assist the government of the day in the fight to reclaim these eroded rights. After all, these are our rights, and we deserve to reclaim them for the sake of our future generations and a more progressive Sarawak.
On this note, I would also like to congratulate Abang Johari and the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) for their unwavering resolve, without fear or favour, to reclaim these eroded rights.
Their efforts reflect a deep commitment to Sarawak’s well-being and future, demonstrating a courageous stand in the face of challenges. This resolute approach not only helps in the fight to restore our rights but also sets a strong example of leadership and advocacy. For this, they deserve our recognition and undivided support.
I am also thankful to the Madani Government for successfully restoring some of the rights, but the fight is still far from over. There are still many more rights yet to be reclaimed.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
