KANOWIT: The passing of the constitutional amendment with regard to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in Parliament on Tuesday (Dec 14) is commendable, but more should be done by the government, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

       The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman wants a Bornean representative on the board of the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), as this was in line with the inclusion of MA63’s annexed instruments, namely the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) report.

       “There needs to be a representative from Sarawak and Sabah on the board. If we have a representative there, we will be able to know the actual revenue of the country.

       “We do not want them to simply give Sarawak grants in accordance with Article 112D without a formula.

       “We want the formula to be there because it is our right to know the revenue accrued to Sarawak,” he said during a meet-and-greet session in Ngemah, Kanowit, on Wednesday (Dec 15) night.

       However, Abang Johari said the passing of the constitutional amendment in relation to MA63 in Parliament on Tuesday reflected the success of the GPS election manifesto, adding that Sarawak was a very fortunate state.

       “We have a stable and strong government which is admired by our friends from Peninsular Malaysia.

       “We in GPS are one and we have a very strong platform. That is why we also want Ngemah, Machan and other (rural areas) to be strong as well,” he said.

       “For this, I request for unity among us,” Abang Johari added.

       Kanowit is a town located some 55km from Sibu.