By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 27: The governments of Sarawak and Sabah are remaining steadfast in their negotiations with the Federal government, seeking to fulfill the provisions outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
According to Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, 29 issues are currently under discussion, with 11 already resolved as of May 28.
Key achievements include the transfer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) regulatory authority to Sarawak, the transfer of administrative control over Sipadan and Ligitan Islands to Sabah, and amendments to the Federal Constitution, specifically Articles 1(2) and 160(2).
Additionally, powers over deep-sea fishing and licensing have been granted to Sabah and Sarawak, and both states’ Public Works Department (JKR) and Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) are now recognised as technical departments under Treasury Directive 182 (AP182).
The Inland Revenue Board Act 1995 has also been amended to include representatives from both states as permanent members of the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
Furthermore, other achievements include the transfer of regulatory authority for gas supply to Sabah, judicial administration in Sabah and Sarawak, where the transfer of authority to the judicial bodies in Sabah and Sarawak has been agreed upon; the jurisdiction of the Chief Judges of the High Courts in Sabah and Sarawak has been defined; enhanced autonomy regarding the appointment of judicial officers, financial allocations, and the administration of the courts in these states, and the recognition of the unique judicial experience in Borneo.
The Federal and State governments have also agreed on specific guidelines to facilitate the return of reserved lands forFederal purposes in Sabah and Sarawak, the transfer of electricity regulatory authority to the Sabah state government, and oil and gas royalties and petroleum cash payments, where the Sarawak government, through the State Economic Planning Unit (EPU), has proposed categorising this issue under ‘agree to disagree’, indicating a complex negotiation landscape.
Despite these advancements, nine issues remain under negotiation. These include Federal financial obligations under List III and joint list of the Ninth Schedule, increase in public service positions in Sabah and Sarawak, and the Borneonisation of the Federal public service in Sabah and Sarawak.
Besides other topics, health and education issues are also being discussed.
Jeffrey delivered these remarks during his lecture titled ‘Status of Negotiation on MA63’ at the Borneo States Symposium ‘The Dreams and Visions of the Peoples of the Borneo States’ held today at the Borneo Cultures Museum here.
For the record, Sarawak has notably secured six out of 13 demands from MA63 through ongoing negotiations with the federal government, showcasing the continued efforts to honour the agreement and address regional concerns.
Jeffrey was on the panel for the first session on MA63, along with other notable figures such as former state attorney-general Datuk Seri Fong Joo Chung, former Sabah Law Society (SLS) president Datuk Roger Chin, Moyog assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, and the moderator, Professor Dr James Chin. — DayakDaily
