Lo Khere Chiang Motion Debate On MA63

suppadmin | November 6, 2018

I would like to emphasize an issue that is important to everyone who holds our Fair Land Sarawak dear to their hearts: MA63.Where is the promise by PH to honour, respect and to fulfill the obligations under MA63?

Honourable Datuk Amar Speaker

This is the right time to revisit MA63 and to access the breaches of MA63 by the federal government. We deserve to have a referendum to determine the actual views of all eligible Sarawakians on our position in Malaysia.

This is to show the Federal Government how this ‘fixed deposit’ and ‘kingmaker’ really feels after so many years of neglect and breaches, as well as the unacceptable imposition, directly or indirectly, of the racial, religious and cultural influences which are detrimental to our ‘unity in diversity’. We have to stay united as Sarawakians to achieve that goal. There is no better time than now to negotiate our rights back.

Friends from KL asked why we are now appearing to be more restless and even more opinionated on Sarawak issues. They also wondered why the feeling of “regionalism” is coming back with such vigor and fervor.

Their questions reflect two things: my KL friends and Malaysians in general do not realize that there is a MA63, an agreement between Sarawak, Sabah, Singapore and the Federated Malay States. Without MA63, there is no Malaysia. And in this so-called ‘new Malaysia’, us Sarawakians are ‘waking up’ to taking a stand not only for ourselves but for future generations of Sarawakians.

We are deeply concerned about the purported restoration of MA63 from Putrajaya and the payment of 20 percent oil royalty and gas from Petronas based on production. Until the federal government returns Sarawak’s powers as contained in MA63, Sarawakians will continue to harp on it from the DUN to the coffee shops.

Many are fed-up with the procrastination of pledges and promises from PH. Before the election, PH made copious promises on the return of our rights. The new government has been formed but they are still dragging their feet on returning the autonomy of powers back to us. It is no wonder that the people are feeling agitated over the reluctance and obstinacy of PH to recognize and fulfill MA63 in full.

Sarawak really needs the money from the oil and gas extracted from Sarawak. It is ironic that while Peninsular Malaysia enjoyed the best infrastructure, many rural areas here in Sarawak do not even have basic amenities like piped water, electricity or proper roads leading to their homes.

With $15 billion in oil and $49 billion in gas siphoned from Sarawak annually, we are begging for pittances and crumbs of 5%, are thrown at our feet annually. 5% is just over Rm1billion. Where is the logic in this? We want FULL OWNERSHIP over our Oil and Gas which is rightfully ours. Why are we so far behind economically when it is our oil and gas that is being used to improve Peninsular Malaysia’s elevated lifestyle?

Sarawak wants good roads, good schools, good hospitals and medical care and affordable housing comparable to our Semunanjung partners. It is our oil and gas after all. Don’t we deserve it?

Do not just talk, Honourable MP for Stampin. Give us back full autonomy on Education and Health and let Sarawak decide on her own education and health policies. Stop your play acting of the 20% royalty. Just give back whatever you and your PH have agreed before the election. Sarawak does not recognize PDA74 and the Territorial Sea Act as it has not been passed through Sarawak’s DUN. Sarawak acknowledges full ownership of our oil and gas and this rights to our land and resources is not negotiable.