“(As for) Sarawak’s rights that have been taken over by the federal government during the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement, we are willing to consider giving them back to Sarawak,” Najib said at a press conference after opening the Medan Selera Lundu here.
He said discussions on MA63 and the interpretations therein were ongoing between the state and federal governments.
“Hopefully, we will arrive at an understanding that will reflect the wishes of the Sarawak people as well as ensure that Sarawak is a strong partner of the federal government,” he added.
Najib said the second stage of the discussions was going on with the formation of five working committees under the federal secretary and the Sarawak state secretary. The committees are to look into five separate topics, and will report back to the prime minister and the Sarawak chief minister.
When asked if the committees were working under any deadline, Najib said no time frame had been set for the discussions as the matter was complex.
“Some of the administrative matters have actually been implemented, like increasing the number of teachers from Sarawak to teach in schools in Sarawak, sending more doctors to Sarawak and more development for Sarawak.
“The second stage is more complex because it involves legal interpretations,” he said.
Najib added that negotiations on Sarawak’s demand for 20% royalty from Petronas were ongoing, and that the federal government was looking at creative ways to help Sarawak.
“I am not in the position to reveal it at this moment but we will see how we can help Sarawak,” he said.