By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 23: Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim captured attention with a compelling analogy likening the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to a marriage contract (akad nikah), calling on Malaysians—especially those in Peninsular Malaysia—to better understand Sarawak’s struggle to reclaim its rights as agreed upon during the formation of Malaysia.
Speaking passionately when participating in the motion of appreciation on the TYT’s address in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Sitting today, Hamzah said MA63 is not just a historical document, but a solemn agreement made in good faith—akin to a proposal, courtship and marriage between Sarawak, Sabah, and Malaya, brokered with the help of the Cobbold Commission.
“I tell my kampung folks—MA63 isn’t a car plate number or a gun. It’s a marriage contract. When we joined to form Malaysia, it was like someone coming to propose. Uncle Cobbold came to Sarawak to ask for our hand.
We agreed, and in return, promises were made—like given speedboat, being fed empurau fish every day… labang fish, and mixed vegetable. So, we were attracted. The main reason was that others were also interested in proposing to us (like Sabah back then). But we were more attracted to our friends across the sea, in Peninsular Malaysia. So, Sarawak agreed to marry. The result of that agreement is what we now know as MA63,” he said lightheartedly.
He stressed that Sarawak is not “demanding” anything new, but merely asking for what was promised before “the marriage”—the founding of Malaysia.
Hamzah hopes the analogy will help more friends from Peninsular Malaysia better understand the significance of MA63 and why it remains at the core of ongoing negotiations with the federal government.
“There are parties out there who twist the information and facts, portraying us Sarawakians as overly demanding. That’s not true. This is what I’ve been explaining to my friends at the five-foot ways (sidewalks).
“So I hope that our friends in Peninsular Malaysia can now understand why our leaders today are taking this matter seriously—so seriously that a complete team has been formed to negotiate with the federal government on the rights agreed upon in that original marriage contract,” he said, stressing that it is about trust, promises, and fairness.
He also expressed his support for Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s administration, commending it for strong political leadership and decisive steps to assert Sarawak’s constitutional rights.
He praised the Premier’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the federal government, which he said effectively resolved the long-standing PETROS-PETRONAS dispute and marked a major step toward Sarawak regaining full control of its oil and gas resources.
“This did not happen overnight. It is the result of stable governance under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition,” Hamzah said, urging Sarawakians to recognise and appreciate the progress made.
He also reminded Sarawakians of Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar to safeguard unity and harmony, warning that economic progress would be impossible without social cohesion.
“Unity is not something we can take for granted. There are always elements trying to divide us. But as long as our harmony stays strong, Sarawak will continue to rise,” he said. — DayakDaily
