Source – TVSarawak
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim chaired the Meeting of the Action Council for the Implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MTPMA63), here, today
The meeting was also attended by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, along with representatives from the Federal Government, Sabah, and Sarawak. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof also participated in the meeting virtually.
MTPMA63 serves as the primary platform for negotiations between the Federal Government and both state governments to detail and resolve issues related to the rights and interests of Sabah and Sarawak as outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Key issues previously highlighted include financial matters and special grants, education, health, infrastructure, state administrative powers, parliamentary seats, and specific jurisdictions related to Sabah and Sarawak.
During last year’s MTPMA63 meeting, the Federal Government, in principle, agreed to consider increasing the number of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak, with further legal details and negotiations required.
The MADANI government has previously recorded progress in the implementation of MA63, with 13 demands reported as resolved, including the recognition of Sarawak’s technical department, the inclusion of state representatives in the Inland Revenue Board, and the expansion of authority in gas distribution and electricity regulation.
For Sabah, the issue of special grants under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution remains a significant focus in negotiations.
In 2024, the Prime Minister, while chairing the MTPMA63 in Sabah, announced an increase in the interim special grant to Sabah and Sarawak from RM300 million to RM600 million for each state, effective from 2025.
Meanwhile, the technical committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof plays a crucial role in detailing issues before they are escalated to the MTPMA63 for higher-level decisions.
In March of this year, Fadillah indicated that education and health issues were among those refined at the technical level, including several matters that need to be brought for confirmation in meetings chaired by the Prime Minister.
Today’s MTPMA63 meeting here is seen as vital in ensuring that negotiations related to MA63 continue to translate into decisions and implementations that directly benefit the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
— TVS
