SARAWAK may see a protracted fight to reclaim state rights and be given higher oil royalties under the Pakatan Harapan federal government.

However, said a state assistant minister and political analysts, things will be much easier than during Barisan Nasional’s rule.

“When Putrajaya was BN’s, we had to talk nicely, so as to not create discord between the coalition partners,” Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office Abdullah Saidol told Malaysia Decides.

“That throttled us back from our preferred pace. We will still talk nicely with the new PH federal government, but Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg yesterday hinted at how much we are prepared to be nice.”

Abang Johari, in a statement released after a Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) meeting, said Sarawak is “determined to pursue and ensure that our quest for the devolution of powers from the federal government is mounted further, in an even stronger mode and effort”.

“The ‘even stronger mode and effort’ part means that we are prepared to take our case to court and seek legal redress if talks fail,” said Abdullah.

The PBB supreme council member himself had, on Saturday, given a broad hint as to the state government’s position.

He had said the state government “will not abandon or step back (from) our solid desire to pursue the devolution of powers from the federal government, and to regain back all the legitimate rights of Sarawak”.

“We will consider all available options to ensure our demands will earn the desired attention, respect and result.”

Sarawak is preparing its options as there are fears that Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who had steadfastly refused to entertain rights talks when he held office between 1981 and 2003, could revert to his old self and refuse to recognise Sarawak and Sabah’s rights.

Analyst Lee Kuok Tiung said talks would be “easier” now as PH is aware that it is under scrutiny over its election promises.

“Sabahans and Sarawakians will judge what the PH federal government can give them,” the Universiti Malaysia Sabah senior lecturer told Malaysia Decides.

“They cannot be less than what (former prime minister) Najib Razak gave to Sabah and Sarawak. They must be more. The burden now is on PH to deliver on its promises.”

James Chin, director of the Asia Institute at University of Tasmania, agreed with Lee’s views, saying PH had promised to look into full compliance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963, including the setting up of a royal commission to review federal laws that have eroded Sarawak’s rights.

“It would be easier if (state PH chairman) Chong (Chieng Jen) and (state PKR chief) Baru (Bian) are involved.” – May 17, 2018.