KOTA KINABALU: A senator has urged the government to resolve the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) comprehensively before the next General Election (GE) to ensure the rights of Sabah and Sarawak are preserved.
Datuk Bobbey Suan stated that after five years of the issue being raised in Parliament and the Senate, it is time for a final decision to be made in line with the spirit of the Constitution.
“Any differing views regarding MA63 should be resolved maturely through institutional negotiations and legal channels, with the federal government adopting an open, professional, and constructive approach for the sake of national unity,” he said when debating the Royal Address in the Dewan Negara last Thursday.
MA63 is the foundation of Malaysia’s formation, uniting Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak into one Federation.
Commenting on the petroleum issue, Bobbey mentioned that although this matter is not specifically stated in the MA63, it is still related to the framework of power and revenue distribution between the Federation and the states.
“Sabah and Sarawak are the main contributors to the country’s oil and gas industry. When this issue is raised, it is not a threat to the Federation but a demand based on rightful claims that should be negotiated maturely,” he said.
He also referred to the stance of the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, regarding the implementation of 40 percent of the net revenue from the Federation to Sabah as stipulated under Articles 112C and 112D and the Tenth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
According to him, this demand is based on the principles of fiscal justice and equitable development while Sabah continues to face issues with water supply, electricity, and road infrastructure.
Dource – SNT
