SARAWAK Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg said he will continue the efforts of previous leaders in restoring the rights of Sarawak as stated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 

Speaking at a rally held in conjunction with Sarawak Independence Day today, he said the struggle would continue until all provisions in the agreement were fulfilled. 

Recalling the history of Sarawak’s formation, he said the five previous state leaders had laid a solid foundation for developing the state over the past six decades. 

“They laid a solid foundation in uniting the people of different races and religions, planning development to modernise Sarawak’s economy, the devolution of power and return of the state’s rights as enshrined in the MA63 and the intergovernmental committee report,” he said. 

The five leaders he referred to were Stephen Kalong Ningkan, Tawi Seli, Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’akub, Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud, and Adenan Satem.  

Abang Johari also thanked the unity government leadership for recently agreeing to return 52 lots of undeveloped land to the state government, including the historic Sarawak Post Office building. 

Themed “Sarawak Maju Makmur”, the state’s 60th independence celebration saw over 70 contingents taking part in a parade and rally organised to commemorate the event. 

A sea of yellow, black, and red Sarawak flags decorated Padang Merdeka amid a crowd of about 10,000 who had gathered at the area since 6am today. – Bernama, July 22, 2023.