By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 16: Discussion on remaining unresolved matters regarding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) will be escalated to the highest leadership level chaired by Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim in May, says Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof.
He said while some issues have been fully agreed upon and others partially resolved, certain matters remain unresolved and require the intervention of the top leadership.
“These matters will be brought to the highest council chaired by the Prime Minister.
“The Premier of Sarawak (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) and the Chief Minister of Sabah (Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor) will also participate in this high-level meeting to chart the next course of action,” he told reporters after the closing ceremony of ‘Kem Ihya Ramadan 2025’ held at Institut Kemahiran Islam Malaysia Sarawak (IKMAS) in Telaga Air here today.
Fadillah also clarified that the unresolved matters are not due to outright rejection but stem from differences in legal interpretations between the federal and state levels.
“One example is the demand for one-third representation of Sabah and Sarawak in Parliament. Another is related to the continental shelf.
“The complexity of these issues necessitates decisions from the nation’s top leadership,” he added.
When asked whether a decision is expected in May, Fadillah expressed hope for progress but acknowledged the possibility of further legal review.
“We will discuss and seek direction. Hopefully, there will be a decision.
“However, it is also possible that more legal reviews will be needed. We will only know when the matter is presented to the consultation council,” he concluded.
On May 13, Fadillah said the Madani government has successfully resolved nine claims under MA63 which included recognising the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) in Sabah and Sarawak as Technical Departments under Treasury Instruction 182 (AP182).
Additionally, amendments to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) Act 1995 now allow representatives from the state governments of Sabah and Sarawak to serve as permanent members of LHDN.
Other matters resolved included the transfer of authority to regulate gas supply in Sabah, the administration of the judiciary in Sabah and Sarawak, and the preparation of special guidelines for reclaiming land reserved for federal purposes in Sabah and Sarawak. – DayakDaily
