KUCHING: Autonomy over immigration and labour matters in Sarawak is crucial for maintaining harmony, safeguarding natural resources, and ensuring that all economic and social activities align with Sarawak’s aspirations.
Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah emphasised that visitors to Sarawak must understand and respect the regulations, which are a part of the state’s autonomy.
“The laws we have enacted aim to preserve harmony, protect natural resources, and ensure that all economic and social activities are consistent with Sarawak’s vision,” he said.
He said this during his ministerial winding-up session at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly Sitting on Tuesday.
Furthermore, Dato Sri Abdul Karim highlighted that the state’s immigration autonomy is firmly enshrined in the Federal Constitution under Article 161E(4) and the Immigration Act 1959/63 whereby this autonomy grants the Sarawak government the exclusive right to regulate and control the entry of individuals into the state.
“This is to protect the security, welfare, and interests of our people, ensuring that immigration control remains under Sarawak’s jurisdiction.
“This right is non-negotiable as it reflects Sarawak’s special position in Malaysia.
"The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) further solidifies this autonomy,” he added, stressing that this autonomy is not merely about immigration procedures but represents Sarawak’s unique status within the Federation of Malaysia.
He also noted that MA63 is not just a historical document but a commitment to upholding Sarawak’s unique rights within the federation.
The Minister pointed out that the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, which guided the drafting of MA63, clearly emphasised the importance of Sarawak maintaining control over immigration to safeguard its cultural, social, and economic landscape.
Besides immigration, Sarawak also has exclusive authority over labour matters related to non-resident workers.
The state’s Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76) requires employers to obtain approval from the Sarawak government before hiring non-resident workers.
“This provision ensures that employment practices comply with the law and align with Sarawak’s development priorities or economic sectors,” Dato Sri Abdul Karim said.
The ordinance imposes strict penalties for non-compliance, including fines and imprisonment, reflecting the state’s firm commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting workers’ welfare.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim concluded that the autonomy over immigration and labour is a fundamental aspect of Sarawak’s governance and identity, emphasising that these rights, protected by the Federal Constitution, MA63, and the IGC Report, are crucial for preserving Sarawak’s interests and autonomy within Malaysia. -UKASnews
