(Kuching, 20th) Sarawak is prepared to defend its stance on judicial appointments at the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and both the Federal and State Constitutions.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari stated that matters including the consultative role of the Head of State have long been handled within established legal and institutional frameworks and should not be questioned further.
He explained that judicial appointments are made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and when it comes to judicial matters involving the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak, it is customary for the Head of State to be consulted.
“When judges are to be appointed, our Head of State must be consulted. This has become customary. I have been long involved in the MA63 committee—this issue has long been resolved.”
“But some people are trying to raise the issue again. If they want to take the matter to court, we will respond with facts,” he said during the closing ceremony of the 2026 GPS Convention on Sunday (April 19).
Abang Johari emphasized that Sarawak will continue to uphold its legal status in accordance with existing laws, including those that predate the formation of Malaysia and remain valid under the MA63 framework.
He said Sarawak will continue to uphold the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO) and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO), noting that both laws remain effective.
“Some have questioned our laws, including whether the OMO is still valid. We must be ready to debate because laws existing before the formation of Malaysia are still recognized and relevant under MA63.”
“If someone questions us, we will respond; if they take the matter to court, we will go to court. We are prepared, and not afraid to defend our stand (when necessary),” he said.
At the same time, Abang Johari, who is also GPS chairman, pointed out that all GPS elected representatives have sworn to uphold both the Sarawak and Federal Constitutions.
He stressed that Sarawak will always act in accordance with the law and rejected any suggestion that the state government was overstepping legal boundaries.
“We are not people from the jungle. We are a civilized society and understand the law. Do not underestimate the people of Sarawak,” he warned.
Abang Johari reiterated that GPS will continue to defend Sarawak's interests through legal and constitutional means guided by the spirit of MA63.
“We are not greedy people. We are asserting our rights based on law and the agreement at Malaysia's formation. ‘Sarawak First’ means prioritizing Sarawak’s rights under the framework of the Constitution and MA63,” he said.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari stated that matters including the consultative role of the Head of State have long been handled within established legal and institutional frameworks and should not be questioned further.
He explained that judicial appointments are made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and when it comes to judicial matters involving the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak, it is customary for the Head of State to be consulted.
“When judges are to be appointed, our Head of State must be consulted. This has become customary. I have been long involved in the MA63 committee—this issue has long been resolved.”
Abang Johari emphasized that Sarawak will continue to uphold its legal status in accordance with existing laws, including those that predate the formation of Malaysia and remain valid under the MA63 framework.
He said Sarawak will continue to uphold the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO) and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO), noting that both laws remain effective.
“Some have questioned our laws, including whether the OMO is still valid. We must be ready to debate because laws existing before the formation of Malaysia are still recognized and relevant under MA63.”
“If someone questions us, we will respond; if they take the matter to court, we will go to court. We are prepared, and not afraid to defend our stand (when necessary),” he said.
At the same time, Abang Johari, who is also GPS chairman, pointed out that all GPS elected representatives have sworn to uphold both the Sarawak and Federal Constitutions.
He stressed that Sarawak will always act in accordance with the law and rejected any suggestion that the state government was overstepping legal boundaries.
“We are not people from the jungle. We are a civilized society and understand the law. Do not underestimate the people of Sarawak,” he warned.
Abang Johari reiterated that GPS will continue to defend Sarawak's interests through legal and constitutional means guided by the spirit of MA63.
“We are not greedy people. We are asserting our rights based on law and the agreement at Malaysia's formation. ‘Sarawak First’ means prioritizing Sarawak’s rights under the framework of the Constitution and MA63,” he said.