The state government will then map out the direction it wants to take before pursuing the matter with the Federal Government, Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg said.
“We have to discuss among ourselves first together with our BN component parties and see what is the direction we have to take.
“After that, then I will discuss with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak because this issue is very delicate and we must build up the rapport,” he was quoted as saying by The Borneo Post.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the Business Excellence Seminar & Forum 2017 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.
Describing Najib as a “very open” person who welcomed discussions with the state on issues pertaining to the state’s autonomy, Abang Johari said: “That is one thing we must appreciate him for. So once we have all the facts, he will look into them.
“He has also previously said ‘What is right for Sarawak is for Sarawak and we will give back’. That is what he told us.”
Sarawak recently sent a legal team to London to get documents and other information on the events that led to the formation of Malaysia and the intentions and promises made to Sarawak.
The Borneo Post quoted him as saying the team had brought back documents pertaining to the formation of Malaysia such as British government cabinet papers relating to the Cobbold Commission’s report and its views on granting Sarawak independence through the formation of the new Federation of Malaysia.
“There are some things that are new to us,” he was quoted as saying.
The Sarawak government, the opposition and several NGOs have been pressing for greater autonomy in handling Sarawak’s resources and for the promises made to Sarawak at the formation of Malaysia to be respected.