<figure id="attachment_3115570" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3115570" style="width: 1600px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-3115570" src="https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/dda7a982-abang-johari-openg-fb-pic-22725.webp" alt="abang johari openg" width="1600" height="1000" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3115570" class="wp-caption-text">Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said the close cooperation between Sarawak and the federal government proves that GPS is a respected and formidable political force. (Facebook pic)</figcaption></figure>
PETALING JAYA: Sarawak is not being greedy or &#8220;excessive&#8221; in asserting its rights as its demands are based on the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), says Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg.
He said Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) would continue fighting for Sarawak&#8217;s rights through negotiations with the federal government, guided by the MA63 framework.
“Sarawak has successfully regained nine rights enshrined under MA63, and efforts will continue to be made to reclaim all those that have been eroded,” Bernama quoted him as saying in his speech at the 62nd Sarawak Day celebration in Miri tonight.
Abang Johari said the close cooperation between Sarawak and the federal government proves that GPS is a respected and formidable political force.
He said the appointments of Fadillah Yusof as deputy prime minister and that of several federal ministers from the state were a significant recognition of Sarawak.
&#8220;Never before has a Sarawakian been entrusted with the responsibility of being the deputy prime minister. This shows that Sarawak under the GPS platform is a respected political power.&#8221;
Abang Johari said the strong collaboration with the federal government would continue in the interest of both the nation and Sarawak, adding that the state&#8217;s pursuit of prosperity would not hinder national development.
“The increase in Sarawak&#8217;s revenue, including through the state sales tax, will not reduce the federal revenue as the federal government has ample room to boost its income without burdening the people,” he said.
He also reflected on the key decision made by Sarawak&#8217;s leaders 62 years ago to join in forming Malaysia for greater security and prosperity.
Abang Johari said Sarawak now contributes nearly 10% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), placing it among the top contributors.
He said the World Bank had also recognised Sarawak as a high-income region for three consecutive years since 2022, based on its gross national income (GNI) per capita figure of RM73,100 in 2024, exceeding the set threshold of RM63,800.
“This status places Sarawak in fourth position after the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan, and Penang, surpassing Selangor.&#8221;
He added that Sarawak had achieved high-income status eight years ahead of schedule.

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