Najib committed to continue late Adenan's policy on state-federal matters

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said he will continue the policy of the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem, the fifth Chief Minister of Sarawak, who had wanted to review the constitutional ties between the state and the federal government, based on what rightfully belonged to the people of Sarawak.

The Prime Minister said he had no problem in pursuing the matter because he believed that when an agreement was signed to form a nation, it was utmost important that it must be seen as a fair deal to all the parties involved.

He said, in leading a moderate government, he must be fair to all, regardless of religion, race or ethnicity, as demanded in Islam.

"The proposal discussed between Petra Jaya and Putrajaya will be considered seriously, because I believe that if I made Sarawak strong, the federal government will also be strong," he said at the Chinese New Year celebration in SJK Chung Hua, Km16 Kuching-Serian here last night.

Also present at the function were Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg as well as federal and state ministers.

In July last year, a joint statement by Najib and the late Adenan stated that matters pertaining to the devolution of powers from the federal government to the Sarawak government were to be discussed in greater detail later at a meeting of the technical committee set up for the purpose.

The statement was issued after Adenan met Najib in Putrajaya to discuss the devolution of powers, the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report and recommendations, the Malaysia Agreement 1963, the Malaysia Act, and the Report of the Cobbold Commission.

Meanwhile Najib said the Malaysians were lucky to live in peace and harmony in which the people accepted and cherished their diversity to form unity in a multi racial society.

He said what was important was to reject extremism, and create more "moments of unity" that would continue to bring a snowball effect towards peace and harmony in the country.

Meanwhile when refering to the seizure of brushes believed to be made from pig's hair, Najib said he was of the view there were still other ways to address the issue other than having them directly confiscated.

He said the issue could be dealt better than conducting seizures, probably from the aspect of more effective labels.

Earlier Najib and Abang Johari took time off to stop by to view the site of the new St Ann's Church project which is expected to be completed by April.

In his brief speech at the function, the Prime Minister pledged to discuss with Abang Johari on the "generous donations" that would be contributed by the state government and federal government to help enhance the church construction project.

The new church, valued at RM19.2 million, is being built after the existing church can no longer accommodate the growing congregation. -- Bernama