By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 25: Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali has dismissed recent calls to cancel or abolish the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as “absurd, preposterous and constitutionally untenable,” describing such suggestions as a direct assault on the constitutional foundation of Malaysia.
Responding to Bukit Assek assemblyman Chieng Jin Ek during the question-and-answer session at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Sitting today, she stressed that MA63 is the very instrument that gave legal effect to the formation of Malaysia and remains a core component of the Federal Constitution.
“MA63 gave birth to Malaysia. Without MA63, the Federation itself has no constitutional basis to exist. Any suggestion to cancel or abolish MA63 is preposterous, absurd, ridiculous and devoid of good sense and judgement. It is also a blatant attack on the constitutional integrity of our Federation,” she told the House.
Sharifah Hasidah pointed out that with the amendment to Article 160 of the Federal Constitution, MA63 now enjoys explicit statutory recognition as part of the supreme law of the Federation.
“This further confirms that the rights and obligations arising from the agreement cannot simply be removed based on personal views or political rhetoric,” she said.
She also warned that comments undermining MA63 could be seditious, as they risk inciting division and hatred among Malaysians.
“These thoughtless actions and irrational comments are intended to divide the people of Malaysia and vilify those who work tirelessly to ensure the full implementation of MA63,” she said.
On Sarawak’s stance toward individuals who criticise or question MA63, Sharifah Hasidah was firm: “Any statement made by any person on this matter is their own personal opinion and carries no legal weight.”
Outlining the State’s ongoing approach, she explained that Sarawak safeguards and asserts its rights through constitutional and legal mechanisms, including the Federal Constitution, recommendations of the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report and the Malaysia Agreement itself.
She noted that the Sarawak government actively participates in the MA63 Implementation Action Council Committee and its technical and working committees to ensure Sarawak’s interests are firmly advanced throughout negotiations with the federal government.
“We consistently pursue our interests by raising and reaffirming our rights through ministerial meetings, negotiations and official correspondences,” she added.
Sharifah Hasidah reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to ensuring MA63 is upheld in full. “MA63 remains integral, binding and constitutionally protected, and the Sarawak Government will continue to ensure that its terms are upheld. We will continue to be consistent in fighting for our rights no matter how difficult, with our effort of ensuring Malaysia remains united, harmonious and strong, because a strong Sarawak is a strong Malaysia,” she stressed. — DayakDaily
