ASAJAYA (Sarawak): People who seek independence for Sarawak cannot be blamed for holding such sentiments, says a leader of the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition, pointing to a record of lost state rights.
The federal government and West Malaysian leaders should address the unhappiness of Sarawakians, said Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, a vice-president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, which is a mainstay of GPS.
He said Sarawakians, in general, were proud to be Malaysians and appreciate their forefathers’ move in leading the state to join Malaya, Sabah and Singapore to form Malaysia in 1963.
“But at the time, there were certain things that were very close to us, certain rights which we negotiated for, that throughout the years, have slowly diminished.”
Such rights included oil and gas royalties, the state’s entitlement to one-third of parliamentary seats, and rights over matters such as tourism that were not included in the list of matters under federal purview.
Karim said that regardless of whether there was malice by any party over the erosion of Sarawak’s rights, the reality was that certain leaders in the past had done things that were “not right”, and this was why the state was now pushing for the return of the rights.
He said the unequal development between West Malaysia and East Malaysia was a sore point for many, especially those who have seen the advanced stage of development in the Peninsula.
“When you see the North-South Highway, when we see Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, how do you feel? Asajaya is just half an hour from Kuching – look at the internet connectivity – you go to any part of West Malaysia, they all (have internet connectivity).”
Karim, who is a former state minister of tourism, youth, arts and culture, said the people of the state wanted equitable sharing of resources “so that we develop together. If there is development there, then there must be development here, too”.
“I know some parties are a bit drastic in their demands, they want independence, like Parti Bumi Kenyalang and all that, so much so that the police and home ministry are not happy.
“You cannot blame them (those seeking independence), and they are also gaining supporters. It is partly because of the policies of the federal government. They must look into this.”
He said Sarawak is not being demanding and is merely asking for its rights to be returned.