KUCHING, July 22 2026: The rights and interests of Sarawak, being a founding partner in the formation of Malaysia, must continue to be defended based on the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to ensure that the state's special position is always respected in the Federation of Malaysia.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Wee Hong Seng said that the celebration of Sarawak Day on July 22 is not just a commemoration of the historic moment when the people of Sarawak began to govern their own state in 1963, but rather a reminder of the responsibility to defend the rights, interests and future of the state.
He noted that Sarawak was a founding partner in the formation of Malaysia through MA63 and not as an extension of the Federation of Malaya, saying that this position was further strengthened through the Amendment to the Federal Constitution in 2021 which reconnected the Federal Constitution with MA63.
"Therefore, Sarawak's rights and interests must continue to be respected, not only during the Sarawak Day celebration but in the ongoing relationship with the Federal Government," he said when speaking at the Sarawak Day celebration today.
Wee said that the spirit of self-government must be translated into the delivery of efficient, inclusive and resilient services, especially at the local government level.
He said that the provision of quality public facilities, systematic infrastructure maintenance, responsive services and safe public spaces were among the important elements in increasing the people's confidence in Sarawak's ability to effectively govern the state.
He said that the unity of the people of various races was Sarawak's main strength and was the basis for the state's ability to defend its rights and strengthen its position at the Federal level.
He stressed that the 'Sarawak First' principle did not mean rejecting Malaysia, but rather prioritising Sarawak's interests in every decision involving the state's rights, resources and future, while continuing to establish constructive cooperative relations with the Federal Government.
Wee said that the leadership of Premier Abang Johari Openg had strengthened the state's financial position, expanded the economy, accelerated the implementation of MA63 and increased investment in infrastructure development, education and digital transformation.
He also stressed that differences in political views should not affect efforts to defend constitutional rights and the long-term interests of Sarawak, but rather all parties must prioritise integrity and prevent political differences from weakening the state's position.
He further said that the harmony of the multi-racial, religious and cultural community that has long been the identity of Sarawak must continue to be preserved from any elements of division and extremism.
In this regard, he called on all Sarawakians to continue to defend the history and rights of the state, strengthen institutions and administrative capacity, as well as preserve the spirit of Segulai Sejalai as the basis for the unity and progress of Sarawak.
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