Friends of BHESS to be introduced to strengthen MA63 as a National Narrative – Mustapha
Image courtesy of the Prime Minister’s Office
KOTA KINABALU: The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak), Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, has welcomed and supported the joint agreement of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to elevate the issue of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as a national narrative.
He stated that this approach is crucial because matters related to MA63 not only concern the interests of Sabah and Sarawak but also form a fundamental part of the establishment and strengthening of the Federation of Malaysia.
“Its implementation requires understanding and collective support from the entire nation,” he said in a statement in conjunction with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council Meeting (MTPMA63), here today.
The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In this regard, Mustapha said that he will collaborate with the Government Backbenchers Caucus (BBC) of the Malaysian Parliament to work towards the establishment and launch of Friends of BHESS (Department of Sabah & Sarawak Affairs).
This initiative will serve as a platform to broaden discussions and share information among Members of Parliament and Senators, particularly on issues that require understanding and support at the parliamentary level,” he stated.
According to Mustapha, this step aligns with the Prime Minister’s intention following his announcement that the Cabinet has agreed in principle to increase the number of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak, considering the representation ratio of both regions within the overall composition of the Dewan Rakyat.
However, to realize this matter, Mustapha noted that it requires a legislative process and sufficient support in Parliament.
“Therefore, it cannot be solely shouldered by the representatives of Sabah and Sarawak; rather, it requires the collective support of Members of Parliament from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak,” he emphasized.
Mustapha expressed hope that Friends of BHESS can assist in fostering this understanding by providing a more open and constructive discussion space, transcending regional and party politics.
Strengthening the rights and positions of Sabah and Sarawak means reinforcing the Federation of Malaysia as a whole, he stated.
“We have a shared responsibility to ensure that the spirit of Malaysia’s formation continues to be reflected through actions aimed at upholding the sovereignty and unity of the nation,” he added.
