Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.-filepic
KOTA KINABALU: The successful resolution of 11 claims under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), with seven finalised during Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration, underscores the government's commitment to fulfilling the agreement's agenda.
Analyst Dr Syahruddin Awang Ahmad said the Prime Minister has shown consistent dedication and thoroughness in ensuring that all claims requested by the Sabah and Sarawak governments are fulfilled, ensuring that the rights long fought for are fully realised.
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The senior lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah's (UMS) Social Sciences and Humanities faculty noted that resolving MA63 claims was no easy task owing to the complexity of financial issues, legal governance, and the Federal Constitution.
"The Prime Minister is committed to ensuring that the rights of the people of Sabah are genuinely upheld, setting this government apart from previous administrations in its focus on the MA63,” he said in a recent interview.
During nearly two years of Anwar's administration, seven claims were resolved, including: the designation of the Public Works Department (JKR) of Sabah and Sarawak as the Technical Department; the transfer of authority to regulate gas supply; and amendments to the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) Act 1995 to appoint representatives from the Sabah and Sarawak governments as permanent members of LHDN.
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The resolutions also include the administration of the judiciary in Sabah and Sarawak as well as special guidelines for the handing over of land reserved for federal purposes in Sabah and Sarawak.
Syahruddin, an expert in government public relations, said resolving the seven matters is highly significant for Sabah and Sarawak and also impacts the Prime Minister’s reputation concerning Putrajaya's efforts to realise the MA63 agenda.
"This effort by Anwar builds on the four issues addressed during the administrations of the eighth and ninth prime ministers.
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"However, he has now resolved seven claims, surpassing the achievements of the previous two PMs,” he said.
Additionally, Syahruddin noted, the increase in the interim special grant to Sabah and Sarawak from RM300mil to RM600mil next year also reflects the Prime Minister’s deep concern about rising costs in both states.
"The Prime Minister's decision is also motivated by his desire to ensure that people in both states continue to live comfortably and are not burdened by cost-of-living issues, particularly heads of households,” he said.
Syahruddin noted that Anwar's commitment to resolving the MA63 claims is evident in his open approach and willingness to engage with stakeholders through the establishment of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63).
He said this approach was not merely delegating power to Sabah and Sarawak based on trust but also a testament to his commitment as the chief executive to ensuring that the two states remain significant entities within Malaysia.
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"This also underscores that the MTPMA63 serves as a symbol of the spirit behind the formation of Malaysia, as it represents the recognition of Sabah and Sarawak as integral parts of the nation," he said.
"The Prime Minister and his government are showing the people of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as Malaysians in general, that both states deserve attention, particularly regarding the commitments that need to be fulfilled under MA63,” he said.
Meanwhile, Associate Prof Dr Romzi Ationg, another senior lecturer at UMS, believes that Anwar's dedication to completing the MA63 agenda aligns with the spirit of Malaysia's formation, as such commitment has been needed all along.
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"Significant discussions on MA63 only began after 2010. Such a commitment is expected to further strengthen the bonds between the peninsula, Sabah, and Sarawak, uniting them as Malaysia,” he said.
Romzi said Anwar is believed to be committed to addressing dissatisfaction related to the MA63 issue, as evidenced by the frequent discussions between the Prime Minister and the MTPMA63.
This ongoing dialogue has led to decisions and the finalisation of various matters.
"However, Sabahans and Sarawakians hope that these commitments will be properly implemented by both the Federal Government and the state governments," he said, adding that the people of Sabah and Sarawak also hope the provisions of MA63 will be honoured. – Bernama
