THE Sarawak Government has put forward its views on a formula that should be used to determine payments to the State, taking into account the Federal Government’s financial position and capacity.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he would continue discussions with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on the matter over the next few days.
He said although Sarawak’s claim was not included in the application concerning certain provisions of the Constitution being discussed, the same spirit should be taken into consideration.
“Therefore, I will continue discussions with the Premier over the next few days. Hopefully, by Malaysia Day on Sept 16 in Kuching, I will be able to announce an interim measure for Sarawak,” he said.
Anwar said Sarawak had put forward its views on a formula that should be introduced so that the method would be clear and take into account the country’s financial position.
He said he agreed that the Malaysian Finance Ministry and the Sarawak Finance Ministry discuss the introduction of the formula.
Anwar also said the same spirit should be applied in resolving matters concerning the rights of Sabah and Sarawak under MA63.
He stressed that MA63 must be viewed as a national commitment and not as a special demand for any particular state.
“I support the approach that MA63 is a national matter.
“We want to align what is provided for in the Constitution with the integrity of Malaysia as a united nation, which will continue our efforts to develop the country as a whole,” he said.
Abang Johari said he supported the Prime Minister’s approach that MA63 should be regarded as a national matter.
“Yes, I would like to thank you for the discussion earlier and the decisions we have reached. One thing I would like to raise here is that I support the Prime Minister’s approach that MA63 is a national matter.
“We want to align what is provided for in the Constitution with the integrity of Malaysia as a united nation, which will continue our efforts to develop the country as a whole.
“So, I think this is quite a practical approach and I would also like to thank him for agreeing to determine a formula. That will be a win-win situation between us and the Federation.
“If the country does well, naturally the Federation will do well. If it does not, we also have to accept that reality, so that the country’s financial stability can be maintained,” he said.
Anwar said discussions on MA63 should become part of the national narrative, covering development, stability and the commitments made when Malaysia was formed.
“This is a national commitment, a national policy.
“When we increase the seats for Sarawak and Sabah in this context, those in Peninsular Malaysia should not think that this is a special privilege for Sarawak. It is not.
“So I believe this narrative is accepted by our friends in Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak. National policy, national commitment and national narrative,” he said.
He said Malaysia should encourage its people to view MA63 as a discourse aimed at strengthening the country, rather than solely through the lens of race, political parties or their respective groups.
“Malaysia 1963 must be sealed as a national narrative. We have to encourage Malaysians not to talk only in terms of their race, party or group.
“Instead, they should see this as a discourse aimed at strengthening the country,” he said.
