By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Sept 17: It is Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s hope that the negotiation between federal and Sarawak on the realisation of terms stated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) which is also part of the recent MoU signed between the ruling and opposition coalitions will yield a win-win outcome.
He said the existence of Malaysia as a nation made up by three territories should be built upon the spirit of respect while recognising the rights and privileges enshrined in the Federal Constitution based on MA63 and the Cobbold Commission.
“I sincerely hope that the initiative to continue negotiations on the 1963 Malaysia Agreement as contained in the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Stability Transformation (MOU) between the Federal Government and the opposition on 13 September will lead to a win-win outcome for the State and Federal.”
This, he said, is in the context that for the last six decades since Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya formed the Federation of Malaysia, the federal government has not been honouring MA63.
“In the course of 58 years, there are things that are not implemented in accordance with the Constitution and MA63, and (this) should be brought to the negotiating table as a large Malaysian Family,” said Abang Johari during state-level Malaysia Day Celebration themed “Malaysia Cares” held at Sarawak Legislative Complex here last night.
He pointed out that negotiations between the Federal government and the Sarawak government have been ongoing since 2015 and negotiations will continue. — DayakDaily
