KUALA LUMPUR: Thirteen of the twenty-six Sarawak-related issues discussed through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) negotiation platform have now been classified as completed.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Sabah and Sarawak), Datuk Mustapha Sakmud stated that three additional matters were recently classified as resolved following the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council Meeting (MTPMA63) held on September 11th.
According to him, these three matters encompass Federal financial obligations under the Joint List, Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution; expansion of civil service positions in Sabah and Sarawak; and Borneonisation of Federal Civil Service in both states.
“Regarding education and health issues, these matters have been classified as partially or interim resolved,” he stated.
He made these remarks in a written parliamentary response to Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament, Datuk Willie anak Mongin, who requested the government provide the latest developments in negotiations with Sarawak concerning the implementation of rights under MA63.
Willie also sought clarification on regulatory authority over oil and gas, autonomy in health and education, and the demand for 35 percent of parliamentary seats.
Concerning the number of parliamentary seats, Mustapha stated that the Prime Minister, during the MTPMA63 meeting on September 11th, indicated there is merit in increasing the proportion of Dewan Rakyat members from Sabah and Sarawak.
However, he noted, this matter remains subject to further discussions that must be pursued by the Legal Affairs Division, Prime Minister’s Office (BHEUU, JPM) and the Election Commission (SPR).
Meanwhile, several matters related to oil and gas still require decisions or discussions at the highest level.
These include oil royalties and petroleum cash payments, mineral oil and oil fields, the Maritime Zone Act, stamp duties, and the state’s rights over the continental shelf.
