MA63 issues can be resolved harmoniously, says minister

Sabah and Sarawak are entering a new phase of development, with the Federal Government committed to strengthening rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and bridging the development gap between the regions. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Sabah and Sarawak Affairs, Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, is tasked with ensuring development agendas translate into tangible benefits for the people.

Sakmud stated that resolving MA63 issues is his primary focus, aiming for harmonious solutions between federal and state governments. He highlighted that 13 out of 29 MA63 issues have been settled, a significant increase from the previous administration's four. The current Madani government has resolved nine issues in just over three years, demonstrating progress in implementing MA63 claims.

Critical issues remain, including maritime laws and the division of powers between federal and state governments, particularly concerning oil and gas revenues. These require top-level discussions involving the Prime Minister, Sarawak Premier, and Sabah Chief Minister. A Technical Committee under the MA63 Implementation Action Council, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, handles technical matters, with unresolved issues escalated to the Prime Minister-chaired council.

Sakmud emphasized that resolving outstanding issues is a key performance indicator, acknowledging that new disputes may arise. He is actively gathering information to preempt potential conflicts and prevent them from becoming public debates. The minister aims to address these matters proactively to ensure smoother development for Sabah and Sarawak.