Sarawak mahu lebih kuasai sumber strategik

Premier Abang Johari Openg of Sarawak has declared that his state will continue to claim greater control over its strategic resources, including the oil and gas industry. Using the seizure of Bintulu Port and investment in Affin Bank as examples, Abang Johari noted that there are many more assets the state hopes to acquire. However, he stressed that gaining back these assets would require the support of the Sarawak public behind the government.

"The more Sarawakians stand behind us and our leadership, the more determined we are to continue fighting for Sarawak," he said, as reported by Dayak Daily. Abang Johari reiterated that Sarawak will not back down in claiming its oil and gas rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). "We will not back down. 'Agi idup, agi ngelaban' (Live on, fight on)," he said, referring to a Dayak proverb meaning to fight until the last drop of blood.

In January, Sarawak officially took over control of Bintulu Port, following its acquisition of an RM1.8 billion stake in the Bintulu Port Facility Corporation, which was previously under federal jurisdiction. By 2024, Sarawak will be the first state in Malaysia to have its own bank, controlling 31.25% of Affin Bank.