No compromise on Sarawak’s immigration autonomy, says Abang Jo

 

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said certain matters in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 cannot be renegotiated.

PETALING JAYA: Sarawak’s autonomy over immigration, land and sea rights is enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and cannot be renegotiated, says Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg.

In an Utusan Borneo report, Abang Johari was adamant that Sarawak would not compromise on such matters.

This came after former law minister Zaid Ibrahim said Malaysians from the Peninsula should not need to use passports or their MyKad to travel to East Malaysia.

“There are matters (in MA63) that cannot be negotiated, including land ownership rights and exclusive economic zones,” said Abang Johari.

“Another right is immigration. The state government will continue to defend its autonomy over immigration in addition to defending the state’s border areas.”

In a video posted on his Facebook page yesterday, Zaid said he was concerned about how Peninsular Malaysia had yielded to many of East Malaysia’s demands such as gas resources and MA63.

“All that they ask for, we give,” he said.

“We’re just asking for one thing – to not have to use our passport or IC when entering Sabah and Sarawak, and they can’t even agree to that.

“I’m worried that … we’re losing control. We can’t even control Sabah and Sarawak.”

Zaid’s statement comes after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently said Petronas would hand over regulatory power of Sabah’s gas supply to the state.

“This has already been done in Sarawak and now it (Sabah’s gas resources) will be transferred to the state government,” he said on Dec 21.

On Dec 8, it was reported that Anwar had given deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof one month to settle unresolved demands related to MA63. - FMT