KUCHING: MBKS Councillor Eric Tay Tze Kok has voiced full support for Sarawak Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s call for the Federal Government to restore Sarawak’s powers to their pre-1985 status.
Tay said these rights are Sarawak’s rightful entitlements under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), stressing that they must be fully safeguarded and returned without conditions.
“We must respect the Constitution and the spirit of MA63. This is not only a legal and contractual obligation but also the foundation for safeguarding the welfare of Sarawakians. Only when our rights are properly protected can the Sarawak Government effectively implement policies that truly benefit the people,” he said.
He pointed out that real progress in key sectors such as education and healthcare depends on greater autonomy. In particular, he highlighted the urgent shortage of healthcare professionals, adding that restoring Sarawak’s rights would give the state better capacity to train and retain talent.
Tay also underlined that constitutional protection and the rule of law are crucial for the healthy development of all sectors, including education, healthcare, construction, wholesale and retail, and the broader economy.
“For Sarawak to achieve sustainable economic growth, we must first reclaim the rights that rightfully belong to us,” he said, urging the Federal Government to honor its commitments under MA63 and enshrine Sarawak’s rights into the Constitution.
“We must continue to fight for what Sarawak rightfully deserves, so that all Sarawakians may truly benefit,” Tay added.
By Connie Chieng