Madius…rebuked the careless attitude of some leaders on the implementation of promises in Malaysia Agreement 1963.
PENAMPANG: The book “Curse of MA63: Developing Malaysia, Sabah’s Perspective” on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) written by Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau was launched here on Thursday.
The 200 pages long bilingual book is written in both Malay and English.
In it he rebuked the careless attitude of some leaders on the implementation of promises in Malaysia Agreement 1963 which distanced the people’s trust over the national leadership institution.
He reiterated that Sabah is not demanding more than what was agreed but rather what has been promised by past leaders under the MA63.
“This matter has been agreed upon, signed and sworn by previous leaders of the nation. Therefore, it is our responsibility today to ensure that the oath is fulfilled and not forgotten.
Madius hopes that the book “Curse of MA63: Developing Malaysia, Sabah’s Perspective” will open minds and spark healthy discussions among the people throughout the country.
He said the book is not aimed at blaming anyone but rather to remind the people that the country will only be strong when promises are kept, rights are respected and history is appreciated.
He further expressed hopes that the small effort through the publication of the book will contribute to the effort of producing a fair, prosperous and balanced Malaysia.
According to Madius, the book, which was written in parts, is the result of his 25 years participation and observation in politics.
He said part of it comes from his parliamentary experience as an MP in Kuala Lumpur, in a hotel, in a car and also at his home.
“This book is not only my reflections and experiences in my political struggle but also from a sense of responsibility to correct the historical narrative that has long been neglected,” he said during the book launch.
Momogun National Congress (MNC) President Tan Sri Wences Angang launched the book at Buhavan Square in Penampang on Thursday.
Expounding on the MA63, Madius said the promise was a trust but in the context of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, such promise was not a small matter.
“If we made a promise, it must be fulfilled or when an oath is uttered, we must be ready to uphold with what has been agreed upon.
“Because many promises in MA63 have not been fulfilled and many years have since passed, the MA63 became a curse.
“The MA63 is not just a document, but a foundation on the formation of Federation of Malaysia which should guarantee justice and balance between Sabah, Sarawak and the Peninsula.
“Unfortunately, after several decades, the promises that were made in it have yet to be fully implemented,” he added.
Hence, Madius said he decided to write the book because he believed that the people are eager for the facts.
To this, he said the book was published to educate the people about MA63.
“Everyone can no longer rely on half-hearted interpretations or listen to chosen narratives,” he said adding, many people are aware that many important facts regarding the formation of Malaysia were not included in official history textbooks.
As a result, many people, especially the younger generation, he said do not know the actual content, implications and legal matters that were contained in the agreement.
“Only those who take the initiative to carry out their own research will understand the why the MA63 came about and true spirit behind it. But sadly, many of our friends in the Peninsular are ignorant about the MA63.
“This is because the MA63 was never taught in depth in the national education system. Therefore, there is a gap in understanding between the people of Sabah, Sarawak and the Peninsular about the history on the formation of our country,” he said.
The Honorary President of UPKO added that the book Curse of MA63 is not merely a historical perspective but a call for everyone to return to the basics of honesty in nation-building.
“I would like to emphasize that the struggle to demand Sabah’s rights is not a mere political issue but a matter of justice and dignity,” he said and at the same time expressed regret over some government leaders who do not take this matter seriously.
He rebuked the careless attitude of these few leaders towards the implementation of promises in MA63 which will only further distance the people’s trust in the national leadership institution.
He reiterated that Sabah is not demanding more than what should be but only for what has been promised.
“This matter has been agreed, signed and sworn by previous leaders. Therefore, it is our responsibility today to ensure that the oath is kept, not forgotten,” he added.
He hopes that the small effort through the publication of the book will add to the contribution in the effort of building a fair, prosperous and balanced Malaysia.
