KUALA LUMPUR: The urgent decree by the King for the speedy fulfilment of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is an endorsement of the agreement’s importance as the foundational element of the nation.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said that the call highlights the essential need for fair representation and development for Sabah and Sarawak within the Malaysian federation.
“I am profoundly thankful for His Majesty’s concern for the wellbeing of the Bornean states. His words resonate deeply with the aspirations of our people.
“The full implementation of MA63 is not just a matter of historical rectification but a pressing necessity for future prosperity and autonomy,” he said.
Jeffrey, who is also the Keningau MP, said there should be no further delays in the matter, especially since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has previously assured that the MA63 should simply be implemented.
“This strong commitment from the government’s highest levels dismisses any excuse for procrastination. It is a clear mandate for us to move forward with resolve,” he said.
Moreover, Jeffrey said he is optimistic about the final resolution of Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement issue by August this year, as per the MA63 technical committee.
“This milestone is crucial for us. It represents a collective commitment to rectify long standing disparities and to ensure that Sabah’s wealth meaningfully contributes to its development.
“This process reiterates the principles of fairness and equity upon which our federation was built,” he said.
He also highlighted the significance of unity and economic stability, as mentioned by the King.
“In these times of global uncertainty and domestic challenges, the unity and economic stability of our nation are crucial. We must come together, drawing from the strength of our diversity and the resilience of our communities, to build a prosperous and inclusive Malaysia.”
