Abang Jo: Abide by what was signed by our fathers

He also announces resignation of Alfred Jabu Numpang as PBB deputy president.

KUCHING: Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg is optimistic the state would be able to negotiate its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“I have a common stand with the prime minister because the signatory of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 included his father, Tun Razak Hussein, and my father (Abang Openg).

“Jests aside, we have to abide by what has been signed by our fathers because that is the basis for the formation of Malaysia,” Abang Johari said.

He was speaking after Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) held its supreme council meeting today, its first since  Adenan Satem passed away 10 days ago due to heart failure.

“So I’m sure the prime minister understands and acknowledges what has been stated in the MA63,” said Abang Johari, adding he hoped negotiations will stay the course on Najib Razak’s part.

“Jangan jadi tebu. Manis pada mula dan pada hujungnya, sik berapa manis (Let it not be like sugar cane. Sweet at the beginning but at the end, not so sweet).”

In an official trip yesterday to Putrajaya, Abang Johari held a private 45-minute meeting with Najib.

“I went to visit the PM as matter of courtesy as I was just appointed chief minister.

“I told the PM that I will continue what has been worked on by Adenan and I also (told him) we will support him as PM because he has helped us in Sarawak.

“I can tell you that he is a prime minister who listens. And he has been responsive.”

Meanwhile, Abang Johari said the candidate has not been finalised to contest Tanjung Datu, which has been made vacant following Adenan’s death.

Santubong MP Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has been made BN’s campaign director.

Abang Johari also announced the resignation of Alfred Jabu Numpang as PBB deputy president.

“I did not expect this. I was brought to a (back)room and he told me that he wished to withdraw from his position.”

Senior vice-president Douglas Uggah Embas has been appointed acting deputy president.

PBB senior vice-president Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, is also acting deputy president filling the vacant party post left by Abang Johari.

Abang Johari again affirmed that he would continue the initiatives set by Adenan “adding value to the basic policies”.

“As my predecessor said, I am the chief minister of the Iban, I am the chief minister of Orang Ulu, I am the chief minister of Bidayuh, I am the chief minister of the Melanau, of the Chinese and all the ethnic groups. As long as they are Sarawakians.”

Abang Johari said the party would hold a convention to honour Adenan in May.

He spoke of the last time he interacted with Adenan.

“He told Douglas Uggah, ‘You try to settle the NCR problem.’ And he told me, ‘You try your best to look after the problems (in the) state.’

“When we were leaving, he said to the both of us, ‘Douglas, Jo you look after the state’.

“Our assumption was that he told us to look after the state while he is in hospital. We didn’t know that would be last thing he told us.” -FMT