Sarawak ready to defend judicial appointment issue in court with MA63, constitutional facts

Abang Johari (centre) and Sarawak leaders at GPS Convention 2026 held in BCCK on April 16, 2026.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, April 19: Sarawak is prepared to defend its position with facts grounded in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal and State Constitutions if Putrajaya chooses to challenge the issue of judicial appointments to the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak in court.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that the matter had already been addressed within existing frameworks, including consultation practices involving the Head of State (TYT) for judicial matters related to the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak.

He noted that judges are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King), and that consultation mechanisms involving Sarawak have long been part of established practice under the system.

“This matter has already been settled. But some are trying to raise it again. If they bring it to court, we will counter with facts,” he said when addressing the closing ceremony of the GPS Convention 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.

He added that the structure of the judiciary, including the High Court in Sabah and Sarawak and the High Court of Malaya, is already clearly defined under the Federal Constitution.

Abang Johari stressed that GPS remains firm in upholding the rights of Sarawak under existing laws, including key pre-Malaysia legislations that continue to remain in force.

“Some people are questioning our laws. Is the Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) still valid? We must be prepared to debate this because laws that existed before Malaysia are still recognised and remain relevant under MA63.

“Sarawak’s legal standing is clear and must be defended without compromise,” he said.

He reaffirmed that Sarawak will continue to uphold both the OMO 1958 and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 (DGO), stressing that both laws remain in force and have not been repealed.

“If people question us, we will respond. If they bring it to court, we will go to court. We are ready. We are not afraid to defend our position if necessary. As long as GPS exists, we defend Sarawak’s rights,” he said firmly.

Abang Johari, who is also GPS chairman, said all elected representatives under the coalition had taken an oath to defend both the Sarawak and Federal Constitutions.

He added that Sarawak would continue to act within legal boundaries and reject any notion that the State is acting outside the law.

“We are not people from the jungle. We are civilised, and we understand the law. Do not underestimate Sarawakians,” he said, adding that Sarawak’s leaders are committed to defending the State’s interests through proper legal and constitutional channels.

He stressed that GPS’s approach is not confrontational, but firmly rooted in legal principles and the spirit of MA63.

“We are not greedy. We fight based on law and the agreement made when Malaysia was formed. Sarawak First means prioritising Sarawak’s rights in accordance with the Constitution and MA63,” he said.

He reaffirmed that GPS will continue to pursue Sarawak’s rights through legal facts and constitutional provisions. — DayakDaily