SEBAUH, Nov. 10 -- Sarawak will continue defending its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said caretaker Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

"As long as I am leading, I will not back down on our rights under MA63," he said, adding the matter was a responsibility to the people.

He said this in his speech when officiating for the Batang Kemena Bridge opening ceremony in Sebauh here yesterday.

Abang Johari said the state's position was strengthened by unity among its people and the state's political leadership.

"We fought based on facts and our rights under MA63. With us united, there are many people behind me," he said.

He said Sarawak's decision to pursue greater control over its resources, particularly in the oil and ga...