SERIAN: All Sarawakians have been urged to rally behind Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in protecting Sarawak’s rights over its continental shelf.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) members must play a central part in garnering such support.
“And this is more so because PBB is the strongest entity in the state government,” he said after officiating at the opening of the Balai Ringin PBB branch meeting at the Serian Convention Centre on Sunday.
Uggah, who is PBB deputy president, said that all party members must give their unequivocal support to Abang Johari in protecting the people’s rights.
“Our Premier in his winding up speech in the November state legislative assembly (DUN) sitting had said nobody is entitled to question Sarawak’s inalienable rights to the continental shelf within its boundaries.
“The rights too are non negotiable. According to Abang Johari, Sarawak’s seabed and topsoil, originally Crown land under the 1958 Land Code became the property of the Sarawak government upon Malaysia’s formation on Malaysia Day, 1963.
“He said this is clearly provided for under Article 47(2) of the Constitution of Sarawak as annexed to the Malaysia Agreement 1963( MA 63).
“Abang Johari added the MA63 and the United Kingdom’s Malaysia Act did not vest any land comprised in the continental shelf within Sarawak boundaries to the federation or the federal government,” he said.
He also said that Abang Johari has explained that the Sarawak boundaries which were protected under Article 2 of the Federal Constitution cannot be altered without the approval of the state legislature.
“The state continental shelf boundaries are now a matter of many debates. We have some quarters now questioning our rights .
“They are envious of what our Premier has done and will do, all in the state interest and well-being,” said Uggah.
He thus suggested that PBB branches make this their popular resolutions in the party’s convention in February next year.
” We must show to all that our Premier has the very explicit support of all Sarawakians in protecting state rights,” he added.
Meanwhile, Uggah also called on the party branches to come up with resolutions reflecting their actual needs and aspirations in the effort to increase their income and upgrade their standard of living.
“We will have leaders looking after the relevant government ministries listening to you all at the convention,” he said.
Uggah was also glad that a few branches had decided to come up with the resolution for Abang Johari to be returned unopposed again as PBB president for the 2024-2027 session.
“This will mirror the very strong unity that we enjoy in PBB. PBB is very strong because of this continuing unity, understanding, discipline and sacrifices from all members,” he said.
At the function too, Uggah thanked the branch’s former chairman Petrus Igat Mathias who had willingly relinquished his post to make way for Senator Susan Chemerai Anding.
