Sarawak to keep pushing for greater rights under MA63, says Abang Johari

Caretaker Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said Sarawak’s decision to pursue greater control over its resources, particularly in the oil and gas sector, was part of efforts to strengthen the state’s economic position. — Bernama pic

First Published: Tuesday, 10 Nov 2026 9:19 AM MYT

SEBAUH, Nov 10 — Sarawak will continue defending its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said caretaker Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

“As long as I am leading, I will not back down on our rights under MA63,” he said, adding the matter was a responsibility to the people.

He said this in his speech when officiating for the Batang Kemena Bridge opening ceremony in Sebauh here yesterday.

Abang Johari said the state’s position was strengthened by unity among its people and the state’s political leadership.

“We fought based on facts and our rights under MA63. With us united, there are many people behind me,” he said.

He said Sarawak’s decision to pursue greater control over its resources, particularly in the oil and gas sector, was part of efforts to strengthen the state’s economic position.

“I established Petros because it is a Sarawak entity that can participate in the oil and gas industry,” he said.

He said Sarawak’s economic strategy was aimed at increasing state revenue so that more funds could be channelled into infrastructure, education, healthcare and other areas benefiting the people.

Abang Johari also stressed that Sarawak’s development approach was not intended to exclude other parts of Malaysia, saying the state would continue to contribute to the country while safeguarding its own interests.

Also present were caretaker Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Malaysia Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing; caretaker Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; and Bintulu Resident Datu Nyurak Keti. — The Borneo Post