PETRA JAYA: Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem today said that the state government has no plan to retract its decision not to table a motion aimed to restore state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in the state legislative assembly, which concluded today.

Instead, the state government believed that federal and state governments, coming from the same family (Barisan Nasional), can resolve the issue amicably between the parties concerned.

“Diplomacy is better than confrontation,” said Adenan in his winding up speech during the sitting.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had said that he was willing to discuss with Sarawak and Sabah on any matters related to misinterpretations and misunderstandings of the agreement.

Many infrastructure and social amenities projects had been approved by Najib during his visit to the state despite the economic slowdown faced by the country.

“He (Najib) did this due to the close rapport and cordial relationship between the state and federal government.

“Hence, we strongly believe that consultative rather than confrontational approach is the best way for the state to engage constructively with the federal,” said Adenan.

When delivering his winding up speech at the state legislative assembly here, he said Najib had approved 498 projects worth RM2.601 billion during his walkabouts for the recent concluded state election.

Of the total, 286 projects or 57 percent had been completed while others are still at the various stages of implementation.

“These projects had doubtfully have created significant impact in the livelihood of the people, especially those in the rural. Thus, I hope our prime minister will continue to visit us and to announce more programs and projects for Sarawak.” he added.

-New Straits Times