The committee’s chairman Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, who is also the Sarawak speaker, said the state’s territorial integrity, continental shelf, seabed and subsoil are also non-negotiable.

“These issues and several more are not going to be raised during the steering committee meeting (on MA63). There is a red line there and even if they raise it in the steering committee, we will say no,” Asfia told reporters after chairing the committee’s first meeting today.

He said state powers on immigration were needed to stop the flood of immigrants.

The committee’s recommendations would be submitted to Chief Minister Abang Johari Tun Openg, who will lead a delegation to the steering committee meeting chaired by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Dec 17.

Both Abang Johari and the State Attorney-General Talat Mahmood Abdul Rashid sit on the steering committee.

Asfia said Sarawak must make a strong stand speaking with one voice for Sarawak.

The committee was formed under Standing Order 89 of the Standing Orders of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly and Article 24(1) of the Constitution of the State of Sarawak through a motion tabled in the assembly on Nov 6 this year.

The committee has 13 other members who are representatives from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), DAP and PKR.

Under the MA63, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore joined the Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia in 1963. Singapore exited the federation in 1965.

Sabah and Sarawak claim their status have eroded under the Malaysian federation.