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 of utmost importance that it be seen as a fair deal to all 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 make Sarawak strong, the federal government will also be strong.”
He said this at the Chinese New Year celebration at SJK Chung Hua, Km16 Kuching-Serian, here last night.
Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg as well as federal and state ministers were also present.
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 that 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 Malaysians were lucky to live in peace and harmony where people accepted and cherished their diversity to form unity in a multiracial society.
He said it was important was to reject extremism and create more “moments of unity” that would continue to have a snowball effect on peace and harmony in the country.
Referring to the seizure of brushes believed to be made from pig bristles, Najib said there were other ways to address the issue rather having them directly confiscated.
He said the issue could be dealt with better, rather than through conducting seizures. He also said proper labelling would be able to solve the issue.
Earlier Najib and Abang Johari took time off to view the site of the new St Ann’s Church project which is expected to be completed by April.
In a brief speech at the function, the prime minister pledged to discuss with Abang Johari the “generous donations” that would be contributed by the state government and federal government to help enhance the church construction project.
The new church, costing RM19.2 million, is being built after the existing church could no longer accommodate the growing congregation.