Sarawak to push for greater control of strategic resources

 The premier, Abang Johari Openg, says the people's backing would be needed for the state to reclaim such assets.

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said the state would not back down in its pursuit of oil and gas rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Sarawak will push for greater control of its strategic resources, including the oil and gas industry, premier Abang Johari Openg said.

Citing the takeover of Bintulu port and Sarawak’s investment in Affin Bank as examples, Abang Johari said there were many more assets that Sarawak intended to take over, the Dayak Daily reported.

However, reclaiming such assets requires the backing of the people for the state government, he said. “The more Sarawakians stand behind us and our leadership, the more determined we will be to continue fighting for Sarawak,” Abang Johari was quoted as saying.

Abang Johari said Sarawak would not back down in its pursuit of oil and gas rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963. “We will not retreat. ‘Agi idup, agi ngelaban’,” he said, citing an Iban phrase that means to fight to the end.

In January, the Sarawak government officially took control of Bintulu port following the acquisition of a RM1.8 billion stake in the Bintulu Port Authority, which was previously under the jurisdiction of the federal government.

In 2024, Sarawak became the first state in Malaysia to own a bank, controlling a 31.25% stake in Affin Bank. - FMT