KUCHING (Sept 3): The Sarawak government should take a more proactive role in addressing the transboundary haze instead of relying solely on the federal government to engage Indonesia, said Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) Stampin branch chief Sylvester Lim Kai Bin.

Lim acknowledged that formal diplomatic engagement with Indonesia falls under federal jurisdiction, but this should not prevent Sarawak from communicating directly with authorities in neighbouring Kalimantan on matters affecting Sarawakians.

“The haze is coming from Indonesia, but it is Sarawakians who are breathing the polluted air. What matters now is not whether this falls under federal or state jurisdiction, but who is prepared to act and solve the problem,” he said in a statement.

He was responding to Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah’s remarks that while the Sarawak government had been actively addressing the haze, engagement with Indonesia had to be handled through the federal government.

Lim said Sarawak could engage Indonesian provincial authorities to exchange information on hotspots and haze conditions, convey its impact on Sarawakians and strengthen cross-border coordination, while leaving formal diplomatic negotiations to Putrajaya.

“If the Sarawak Premier can travel around the world and engage foreign leaders, governments and international organisations, why can’t the Sarawak government proactively communicate with the authorities in neighbouring Kalimantan over a cross-border problem directly affecting our people?” he said.

He also called on Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) representatives in the federal Cabinet, including a Deputy Prime Minister, to push for urgent engagement with Jakarta, saying sate and federal efforts could take place simultaneously.

Citing Sarawak’s longstanding push for greater autonomy, Lim said the state should demonstrate similar initiative in addressing issues that directly affect the people.

“You cannot demand greater autonomy when seeking power, but invoke federal jurisdiction when responsibility needs to be taken,” he said.

“The haze does not recognise federal or state jurisdiction. Sarawakians want action, not excuses. If the Sarawak government is unwilling even to proactively engage neighbouring Kalimantan, then where is the autonomy it so often speaks about?” he added.