KOTA KINABALU: The youth of Sabah are urged to understand and delve into the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which is the main pillar of the formation of this country.
Sabah Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Ellron Angin said that understanding MA63 is crucial for us, especially among the younger generation.
“The facts and essence contained in the agreement should be the main foundation for us as the people of Sabah to demand the rights that have been denied to us,” he said.
Ellron said this in his speech at the Youth Council Bootcamp Programme Session 2023/2024 at Daradaat View, here on Saturday.
A total of 40 participants joined the boot camp, consisting of Youth Council members and students from private higher education institutions (IPTS) such as Cosmopoint College, Almacrest International College, and Ascot Academy.
Ellron, who is also the Sook assemblyman, said that the denial of state rights in MA63 has caused development and economic activities to be sluggish in Sabah compared to other states in the country.
“The districts of Pitas, Nabawan, and several other districts categorised as poor areas are prime examples of the backward development in Sabah. This is due to the denial of our rights, including the demand for 40 percent of Sabah’s revenue, which until now has not been fulfilled,” he said.
“Until today, the provision of basic facilities such as water, electricity, and transportation roads remains a major issue burdening the rural population of Sabah.