The DayakDaily
KUCHING, Oct 8: The Cobbold Commission Report and the Inter-governmental Committee (IGC) report form the basis of Article VIII of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which guarantees Sarawak’s autonomy and special rights.
This is the view of Professor Michael Leigh, the founding director of the Institute of Borneo Studies, which was formerly known as the Institute of East Asian Studies when established in March 1, 1997, established under the University of Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
Leigh held that Sarawak’s legal history and MA63 must continue to be understood and appreciated as the fundamental pillars that strengthen Sarawak’s position within the Federation of Malaysia before stressing that MA63 is the core foundation of the union between Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore, and Malaya in the formation of Malaysia.
“Meanwhile, the Cobbold Commission Report and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report formed the basis of Article VIII of the Malaysia Agreement, which guarantees Sarawak’s autonomy and special rights.
“Therefore, understanding Sarawak’s legal history and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 is crucial to ensure that the State’s rights continue to be upheld in the spirit of federalism that was built more than six decades ago,” Public Communication Sarawak Unit (UKAS) quoted him speaking as a guest lecturer at The International Talk Series 2025 in a lecture entitling “Sarawak Legal History and the Malaysia Agreement 1963” held here yesterday.
The programme, organised by the Sarawak Attorney-General’s Chambers, aimed to enhance understanding of the legal foundations that connect Sarawak, Sabah, and the Federal Government.
Leigh further pointed out that matters concerning immigration, religion, language, land, and natural resources were given special status to Sarawak and Sabah. Their implementation however, depends largely on political strength and the unity of the States’ leadership.
According to UKAS, Leigh acknowledged the contributions of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in strengthening Sarawak’s position through ongoing negotiations with the Federal Government.— DayakDaily
