Criticism by opposition merely to mislead people - Nancy

The criticisms by the opposition on the state government's pursuant on the devolution of power was merely to mislead the people, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nancy Shukri.

She said it was not a new matter but a follow-up action and the right thing to do in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement.

"Tan Sri Adenan Satem has been talking about it days after being appointed as the chief minister.

"Adenan must have the support from every Sarawakians as a bigger mandate given by the people to the chief minister and Barisan Nasional in the coming state election will give the state government a clear mandate in future negotiation with the federal government," she said.

Nancy said this to reporters after attending a dinner gala held in conjunction with the Opening of Legal Year 2016 for Sabah and Sarawak here last night.

The state DAP was reported to have been relentless in claiming that they were the ones who had been giving the government the push to fight for the state’s devolution of power.

Nancy said the issues discussed by the state government and Putrajaya were very fundamental and the steps taken through three phases as laid out by Adenan were the right process considering the importance of the issues.

"One of the most important points raised by Adenan in the first phase of his negotiation with the federal government is for Sarawak to be consulted in the drafting of Federal legislation which has bearing or impact on the people and the state government," she added.