Former Petagas Assemblyman Datuk James Ligunjang, JP
KOTA KINABALU: The formation of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 marked a significant moment, merging Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore. The Malaysia Agreement of 1963 established the terms and conditions, ensuring the political, economic, and social rights of each state.
One crucial aspect of the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 was the principle that each state, including Sabah and Sarawak, should be equal partners in the federation. This meant that the Borneo states would have full jurisdiction over their political affairs, making decisions in their best interests.
However, concerns have arisen regarding the involvement of Malayan political parties in Sabah and Sarawak. This involvement is viewed as interference in the internal affairs of the Borneo states, which undermines the principle of equal partnership and sovereignty.
Similarly, political parties from the Borneo states should refrain from intervening in the political affairs of Malaya. The agreement aimed to ensure each state’s autonomy, and any violations or interference in another state’s political affairs would disregard the spirit of MA63.
The core spirit of the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 was to establish a federation that respected the rights and interests of all component states. Involvement of political parties from Malaya in the Borneo states, or vice versa, could be seen as contravening this fundamental principle. It is crucial to maintain the sovereignty and autonomy of each state for a fair and equal partnership within the Malaysian federation.
