(Kuching, 17th) The Sarawak government will steadfastly continue its efforts to fight for the rights accorded to Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), in order to ensure that the commitments made at the formation of Malaysia are fully implemented.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar, the close cooperation between Sarawak and the federal government has made significant progress in restoring the rights that had been eroded from Sarawak.
This includes the 2021 Federal Constitution Amendment Bill, with the then Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law), Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi, also participating in the process to restore Sarawak’s status as an equal partner, as it was during the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
"Sarawak now possesses the authority to regulate Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), an important resource in the energy sector. Sarawak’s own petroleum company, PETROS, has been appointed as the sole aggregator of natural gas in Sarawak. Furthermore, we have successfully had the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), and Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) recognized as technical departments. This creates more opportunities for Sarawak to independently drive development projects, without over-reliance on federal agencies."
He said this last night while addressing the 2025 Sarawak-level Malaysia Day celebration gathering held at the old Bintulu airport.
That evening, Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi, accompanied by Duyong Dato Patinggi Fauziah, officiated the event.
The Premier further pointed out that under the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) amendment, Sarawak now has a permanent representative seat, enabling Sarawak’s direct involvement in the formulation of national tax policies.
At the same time, he added, Sarawak also successfully pushed for amendments to the Sarawak Labour Ordinance, ensuring that the existing labour laws are aligned with local realities and genuinely safeguard workers’ rights.
"We also successfully changed Bintulu Port’s status from a federal port to a Sarawak port. This opens up greater opportunities for expanding international logistics and trade. On 12th September 2025, Sarawak hosted in Kuching the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Council Meeting, personally chaired by the Prime Minister, once again highlighting the federal government’s commitment to implementing these rights. Additionally, the cabinet has agreed to submit a proposed amendment to the Federal Constitution to grant the power to appoint judicial commissioners in Sarawak and Sabah, to be approved by their respective governors."
Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari also stated that Sarawak is moving towards gaining full authority over its environmental policy and development direction, in line with the needs, interests, and expectations of the people.
He said this was agreed upon by consensus, to exempt the implementation of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 in Sarawak, and that an exemption order will be tabled in parliament this December under Article 95C of the Federal Constitution.