Latest news with #MalaysiaAgreementof1963
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Talk of PBB leadership rift recycled divisive tactic seeking to disrupt stability, says supreme council member
Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim KUCHING (July 17): Rumours of a rift brewing between Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu's (PBB) top leaders has been slammed by supreme council member Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim. According to him, the party's leadership remained strong and unwavering. 'I wish to firmly and unequivocally state: Sarawak's leadership under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) remains united, focused, and resilient,' Ahmad said in response to a Free Malaysia Today report titled 'Silent rivalry brewing in Sarawak over premiership?'. The report citing unnamed sources claimed that PBB president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is facing a challenge from PBB deputy president Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan for the premier's post. Ahmad pointed out that attempts to sow discord among Sarawak's leaders are nothing new. 'They are the old playbook of divisive tactics, often recycled to disrupt the harmony and stability we all have built in Sarawak,' he said. According to him, such distractions come from those who have long misunderstood the state's culture, solidarity, and collective determination to put Sarawak first above politics and self-interests. 'Bersatu kita kuat, berpecah kita roboh (United we are strong, divided we fall),' he said. Ahmad stated the Sarawak leadership is not dictated by sensational headlines or politically-motivated whispers from outside the state's borders. 'We all stand by the wisdom of our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the consensus of our party, and the voice of the people of Sarawak. 'Let it be known: There is no infighting; there is no rivalry; here is only focus on development, peace, prosperity, and the rights of Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 (MA63),' he stressed. He opined the people would reject any attempts to paint Sarawak's leadership as fractured. 'Our unity is our strength. GPS remains steadfast in championing Sarawak's rights, economic empowerment, and social progress. Our Premier leads with vision and integrity, and our coalition stands behind him with loyalty and trust.' The Council of Malaysian Senators vice president advised Sarawakians to remain calm and not be swayed by external noise. 'Let us keep our eyes on the greater mission – to uplift Sarawak for generations to come,' he said. He also cautioned those trying to interfere in Sarawak's affairs that the majority of Sarawakians will not be distracted, divided, or derailed. 'Long live Sarawak. Long live unity,' he added. PBB information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has also dismissed the claims as unfounded. He stressed that Sarawak politics is grounded in a culture of respect and discipline, in contrast to the political dynamics seen elsewhere. Abdul Karim said he believed the rumours were created by those with ulterior motives to stir things up. Related story: Info chief dismisses claims of power struggle in PBB, says ulterior motives behind rumours Abang Johari Awang Tengah Ali Hasan lead PBB rivalry
Borneo Post
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's DUN expansion a strategic move to push for more parliamentary seats, says ex-EC deputy
Wan Ahmad notes that while the EC retains full authority to initiate any redelineation process, the state's decision appears to carry clear political intent. – Bernama photo KUCHING (July 11): Former Election Commission (EC) deputy chairman Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Wan Omar has described the Sarawak government's move to expand the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) by 17 seats as a political strategy likely aimed at prompting the EC to consider increasing the number of parliamentary constituencies, in line with Sarawak's efforts to restore one-third representation in Parliament under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). He noted that while the EC retains full authority to initiate any redelineation process, the state's decision appears to carry clear political intent. 'If the state assembly has already passed the decision to increase the number of seats, it is clear the EC will have to redraw and adjust constituency boundaries,' he said in a Free Malaysia Today (FMT) report today. 'This includes potentially creating additional parliamentary seats to meet the terms agreed under the MA63 (Malaysia Agreement of 1963),' he added. Wan Ahmad also highlighted the financial implications of such an expansion, pointing out that additional administrative and development funding would be required. 'Allocations for 17 new seats, infrastructure development, and other associated costs will increase tremendously. 'However, one positive aspect is that the creation of new constituencies could accelerate economic development in these areas,' he said. Currently, Sarawak holds 31 of the 222 seats in the Dewan Rakyat — just under 14 per cent — far from the one-third threshold that the state is seeking to restore as part of its constitutional rights under MA63. On Monday, the Sarawak DUN passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill 2025, increasing the number of state assembly seats from 82 to 99. By comparison, the last redelineation exercise in 2015 added 11 state constituencies. redelineation Sarawak DUN seat expansion Wan Ahmad Wan Omar
Borneo Post
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Social activist: Redelineation process must be better and relevant, not just bigger
Peter John Jaban KOTA SAMARAHAN (July 9): The coming redelineation exercise by the Election Commission (EC) must improve actual representation, said social activist Peter John Jaban. In a statement yesterday, he said the redelineation exercise and allocation of seats among component coalition parties must carefully consider improving representation of Sarawakians and not compound issues from outdated political paradigms. 'Representation must reflect the challenges and aspirations currently faced by the people. The last such increase was conducted in 2014 when it was a very different political and social landscape—thankfully, we have a great deal more transparency in government a decade later. 'But if the people of Sarawak are expected to support 17 more elected representatives, paying both their wages and pensions, then this must work for the people. Not only must it support the long-term goal of our rights in the federal parliament under the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 (MA63) but it must also improve representation for the voters of Sarawak,' he said. The State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Composition of Membership Bill 2025 was passed in the august house on Monday, increasing the total number to state seats to 99. Peter John said there has been a massive rural to urban migration. 'Some estimates suggest that Sarawak is now up to 65 per cent urbanised, and the majority of those migrants have been Dayak. We are no longer living in a time when most Dayaks stayed in their traditional ancestral communities—there has been massive rural to urban migration; sometimes by choice, sometimes by necessity. 'The voter landscape of both our rural and urban areas is increasingly complex, and can no longer support the simplistic, race-based system of a decade ago. We need a redelineation that can take into account both the multi-ethnic makeup of our urban constituencies while still ensuring the specific needs of the rural population are addressed,' he said. He said there were new issues affecting ordinary Sarawakians, such as the lack of infrastructure, urban deprivation and poverty, rural connectivity and livelihoods, loss of culture and community. 'These are the concerns that our new YBs (elected representatives) must address, and the redelineation must allow them to do so without political or racial bias. 'We are in a situation where the component parties of the ruling coalition also need better representation to provide a balancing voice in the DUN for the constituents,' he said. 'This cannot just come from a small handful of opposition representatives—one of whom (Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen) was ejected from yesterday's (Monday) sitting. 'Therefore, we hope the allocation of seats takes this into account and is not dominated by one single party. The people of Sarawak need choice among parties that understand their needs, and can provide checks and balances to each other for the good of the people,' he said. Peter John said while Sarawak enjoys great racial and religious harmony and social unity, people must learn to live together and serve each other's needs as the profile of the state changes. 'This redelineation should not just be bigger, it must also be better. It must look to the challenges and issues the people are facing, and give the DUN the best chance of addressing these. 'The people must be represented in the DUN—that is the only purpose of the house. So, let us hope for the multi-ethnic, responsive and relevant DUN that we all deserve for the next decade.' election commission lead Peter John Jaban redelineation
Borneo Post
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘Redelineation process must be better and relevant, not just bigger'
Peter John Jaban KOTA SAMARAHAN (July 9): The coming redelineation exercise by the Election Commission (EC) must improve actual representation, said social activist Peter John Jaban. In a statement yesterday, he said the redelineation exercise and allocation of seats among component coalition parties must carefully consider improving representation of Sarawakians and not compound issues from outdated political paradigms. 'Representation must reflect the challenges and aspirations currently faced by the people. The last such increase was conducted in 2014 when it was a very different political and social landscape—thankfully, we have a great deal more transparency in government a decade later. 'But if the people of Sarawak are expected to support 17 more elected representatives, paying both their wages and pensions, then this must work for the people. Not only must it support the long-term goal of our rights in the federal parliament under the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 (MA63) but it must also improve representation for the voters of Sarawak,' he said. The State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Composition of Membership Bill 2025 was passed in the august house on Monday, increasing the total number to state seats to 99. Peter John said there has been a massive rural to urban migration. 'Some estimates suggest that Sarawak is now up to 65 per cent urbanised, and the majority of those migrants have been Dayak. We are no longer living in a time when most Dayaks stayed in their traditional ancestral communities—there has been massive rural to urban migration; sometimes by choice, sometimes by necessity. 'The voter landscape of both our rural and urban areas is increasingly complex, and can no longer support the simplistic, race-based system of a decade ago. We need a redelineation that can take into account both the multi-ethnic makeup of our urban constituencies while still ensuring the specific needs of the rural population are addressed,' he said. He said there were new issues affecting ordinary Sarawakians, such as the lack of infrastructure, urban deprivation and poverty, rural connectivity and livelihoods, loss of culture and community. 'These are the concerns that our new YBs (elected representatives) must address, and the redelineation must allow them to do so without political or racial bias. 'We are in a situation where the component parties of the ruling coalition also need better representation to provide a balancing voice in the DUN for the constituents,' he said. 'This cannot just come from a small handful of opposition representatives—one of whom (Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen) was ejected from yesterday's (Monday) sitting. 'Therefore, we hope the allocation of seats takes this into account and is not dominated by one single party. The people of Sarawak need choice among parties that understand their needs, and can provide checks and balances to each other for the good of the people,' he said. Peter John said while Sarawak enjoys great racial and religious harmony and social unity, people must learn to live together and serve each other's needs as the profile of the state changes. 'This redelineation should not just be bigger, it must also be better. It must look to the challenges and issues the people are facing, and give the DUN the best chance of addressing these. 'The people must be represented in the DUN—that is the only purpose of the house. So, let us hope for the multi-ethnic, responsive and relevant DUN that we all deserve for the next decade.' election commission lead Peter John Jaban redelineation
Daily Express
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
There must be open dialogue, mutual respect
Published on: Sunday, June 08, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 08, 2025 By: Datuk Roger Chin Text Size: By working together, all stakeholders can build a brighter future for Malaysia, one that benefits all its citizens. A Legacy of Discontent - Resolving Sabah and Sarawak's Oil and Gas Impasse Sabah and Sarawak, the emerald jewels of Borneo, are the economic powerhouses of Malaysia. Their vast oil and gas reserves fuel the nation's growth, yet a deep sense of discontent threatens to shatter this prosperity. The root of this tension lies in the unresolved issue of oil and gas rights, a legacy of historical promises and contemporary disagreements. Advertisement This paper delves into the complexities surrounding Sabah and Sarawak's claims, arguing that a critical review of existing frameworks, coupled with open dialogue and a commitment to equitable resource sharing, is essential for achieving a lasting solution. Broken Promises - The Malaysia Agreement of 1963 (MA63) and the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) The Malaysia Agreement of 1963 (MA63) stands as a cornerstone document, promising significant autonomy for Sabah and Sarawak over their natural resources, including oil and gas. However, the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA) appears to contradict this very foundation. Advertisement Established under the cloak of a national emergency, the PDA vested sole authority over Malaysian oil and gas in Petronas, the national oil and gas company. This move by the federal government significantly altered the power dynamic, raising concerns about its adherence to the spirit and letter of MA63. Questioning Legitimacy and Transparency - Deeper Scrutiny Needed Legal scholars raise serious concerns about the PDA's legitimacy. Firstly, the absence of ratification by Sabah and Sarawak's state assemblies potentially violates Article VIII(2)(a) of MA63, which guarantees their control over their natural resources. This unilateral action by the federal government disregards democratic processes and undermines the autonomy promised to these resource-rich states. Secondly, the timing of the emergency coinciding with heightened racial tensions in 1974 necessitates a deeper examination of its true purpose. Was it a genuine crisis, or a convenient justification for a power grab over valuable resources? Scrutinizing historical records and emergency justifications becomes crucial in this context. Beyond legalities, the PDA's lack of transparency adds fuel to the fire. There's no record of citizen consent in these resource-rich states, and the current revenue-sharing formula within the PDA remains shrouded in secrecy. This lack of transparency fuels resentment, as vast wealth is extracted from Sabah and Sarawak with minimal reinvestment in these states. Statistics paint a stark picture - a 2022 World Bank report indicated that Sabah and Sarawak have a GDP per capita significantly lower than the national average. Additionally, these states consistently rank lower in metrics like road quality and access to healthcare compared to the developed peninsular states. The Human Cost of Inaction - Festering Wound and National Unity The extended state of emergency, lifted only in 2011, further stifled legal challenges to the PDA. Decades of simmering discontent have become a festering wound, threatening national unity. Ignoring these grievances has significant economic and social consequences. The oil and gas dispute stands as a major obstacle to national security, prosperity, and cohesion. A fractured Malaysia with a discontented Sabah and Sarawak is unlikely to achieve its full economic potential on the global stage. Beyond Money - A Fight for Self-Determination and Shared Prosperity Sabah and Sarawak's claims extend beyond mere monetary gain. They yearn for a fair deal, a chance to shape their own economic destinies. While increased oil royalty payouts are a necessity, the current model extracts vast wealth, leaving these states lagging behind. They deserve greater control over their resources, the power to decide how their wealth uplifts their people and fuels development. This is not a fight for greed; it's a fight for self-determination. They envision a future where they are active participants in shaping the national economic landscape, not just resource providers. Successful resource-sharing models exist in other federations. Canada's model grants significant autonomy to resource-rich provinces like Alberta over their oil and gas reserves, while ensuring a fair contribution to the national coffers. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) employs a successful model where emirates rich in oil and gas contribute to a federal development fund. This fund is then used to support the development of less resource-rich emirates, fostering national unity and shared prosperity. These examples demonstrate that a balance can be achieved, allowing resource-rich regions to contribute to the national good while retaining a significant degree of control over their own resources. Implementing a similar framework in Malaysia, with revenue-sharing based on a transparent formula and provisions for regional development, could pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for all Malaysians. The Road to Reconciliation - A Call for Open Dialogue and Mutual Respect Open and honest dialogue involving all stakeholders is essential for forging a path towards reconciliation. This dialogue must extend beyond politicians to include economists, legal experts, and civil society representatives from Sabah and Sarawak. It must be a genuine attempt to understand the depth of discontent and explore solutions that address the root causes. Ignoring these grievances is a recipe for national fracture. A Sustainable Solution - Benefits for All Malaysians A sustainable solution requires a commitment from all parties involved. The federal government must acknowledge the legitimacy of Sabah and Sarawak's claims and demonstrate a willingness to revisit the existing agreements. This could involve: Establishing a revenue-sharing model that reflects a fairer distribution of oil and gas wealth, with a transparent formula that takes into account factors like production costs and depletion rates. Granting Sabah and Sarawak greater autonomy in managing their own oil and gas reserves, allowing them to decide on exploration, development, and production strategies. Investing in infrastructure development and social programs in Sabah and Sarawak to address historical neglect. This could include projects in transportation, education, healthcare, and rural development. Amending MA63 and related agreements to explicitly recognize Sabah and Sarawak's rights over their natural resources. By embracing a more equitable approach, Malaysia can unlock the full potential of Sabah and Sarawak. These resource-rich states can become not just contributors of wealth but active participants in shaping the national economic landscape. This will lead to a more prosperous and cohesive Malaysia, where all states feel they have a stake in the nation's success. Unity or Dissolution - The Choice Before Malaysia The fate of Sabah and Sarawak's oil and gas rights is a crossroads for Malaysia. The nation can choose the path of reconciliation and shared prosperity, or it can continue down the road of disenfranchisement and risk national dissolution. The time for empty promises and half-measures is over. Sabah and Sarawak deserve nothing less than genuine partnership, one that recognizes their rights and unlocks their full potential. Only then can Malaysia truly thrive as a united and prosperous nation. Call to Action The Malaysian government must take decisive steps to address the grievances of Sabah and Sarawak. A comprehensive review of existing agreements, coupled with open dialogue and a commitment to equitable resource sharing, is essential for achieving a lasting solution. By working together, all stakeholders can build a brighter future for Malaysia, one that benefits all its citizens. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
