S'wak CM not interested in debate with Pandikar Amin

KUCHING: Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said he was not afraid of the challenge by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia to debate the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the rights of Sarawak but stressed that the state would be negotiating according to the law and constitution.
"My stand is firm and I am not afraid even though it may mean that my post could be at stake, rather than entertaining a futile debate," he said when opening the Kuching Zone I Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) Delegates Conference at the Penview Convention Centre (PCC) here today.
Pandikar Amin had earlier invited Abang Johari to debate on MA63 and the Dewan Rakyat Speaker's statement had incurred the wrath of Sarawakians while several state leaders had described the former as arrogant.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak Government would continue with its negotiation at the highest level with the federal government on returning the powers and rights of Sarawak, as well as the people in the state as enshrined in MA63.
According to him, in a recent visit to Sarawak, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak held a meeting with Sarawak state legislators and he stressed again that the federal government would return the rights to Sarawak.
"We have the right to negotiate. We, in Sarawak have our dignity, we have our ways to negotiate.We want to defend our rights," Abang Johari said to thunderous applause from the delegates.
He reiterated his promise to continue the policy of the previous chief minister, Tan Sri Adenan Satem to claim back the rights of the state.
As evidence, he said the state government had sent a delegation to London to study the files and rights of Sarawak as enshrined in MA63, as well as the rights of Sarawak under British rule.
"When we studied, it was found there were many rights given by the British to Sarawakians. We obtained proof on our right on petroleum as we still have the Oil Mining Ordinance.
"The white governor gave the right to Sarawak for Sarawak Oil Limited to explore oil and resources," he added.
He said Sarawak Barisan Nasional which had its backbone in PBB had the basis to negotiate and take back the rights of the state but he gave the assurance that Sarawak would continue to be in Malaysia. – Bernama