Acknowledging the strongly-felt local sentiments of “Sarawak for Sarawakians”, he promised to begin the next stage of negotiations between the federal and state governments on Sarawak’s demands for the autonomy set out in the Malaysia Agreement of 1963.
Najib said the negotiations would be based on the principle of “Sarawak Merdeka dalam Malaysia” (Sarawak independence within Malaysia).
The phrase “independence within Malaysia” was part of Sarawakian political language from the formation of Malaysia until the 1980s when it fell into disuse with greater federal encroachment into the state in areas such as education, citizenship and religion.
Demands for greater autonomy have increased over the years, giving rise to a small secessionist movement, which has been outlawed.
Since taking office as chief minister, Adenan Satem set out a new political path by reviving demands for the return of Sarawakian control over its own affairs as set out in the Malaysia Agreement.
He has exercised the state’s autonomous powers on immigration by barring the entry of politicians and activists from the Peninsula, to the consternation of opposition parties preparing for the state assembly elections.
In acknowledging the state’s sentiments last night, Najib said Sarawak for Sarawakians meant that Sarawak wanted the federal government to consider its rights within the framework of the federal constitution. “The principle is ‘Sarawak Merdeka dalam Malaysia’,” he said after Adenan took his oath of office as chief minister for the new term.
Najib said the state had been granted more administrative powers in the first phase of negotiations with Adenan before the election.
“In the second stage, we will look at what legislation and legal provisions can be considered by the federal government based on the consensus between the federal and state governments,” he was quoted as saying.
He gave an assurance that the federal government would look closely into the wishes of Sarawakians.
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Adenan: ‘Yes’ to more powers, but ‘no’ to secession