By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 26: Ignoring the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which is equivalent to a “batu sumpah” (oath stone), means “turning your back” on the Federation of Malaysia.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili, in raising this point in the Dewan Rakyat today, stressed that MA63 is a sacred and foundation document of the formation of the Federation of Malaysia which meant that there will be no Malaysia without MA63.
“No one can change the foundational agreement that led to the formation of Malaysia. Any views for a new agreement are distorted from nationalism struggle.
“When MA63 is ignored, it means turning your back on the Federation of Malaysia. Such views are very misleading, far from target and not in line with the Malaysian Constitution that we have approved and passed in this honourable House where the MA63 has become part of the constitution.
“MA63 is very important because it is the reference and basis for negotiations on issues that will bring benefits to Sabah and Sarawak,” he said during the Dewan Rakyat sitting broadcast live through Parliamen Malaysia YouTube Channel.
He was responding to a question from Sepanggar MP Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman who asked for the views of the government on the suggestions by a few politicians on a need for a new agreement to replace MA63 and what would be the implications to Sabah and Sarawak if the MA63 is cancelled and replaced with a new agreement.
Instead, Ongkili, who is also Kota Marudu MP, pointed out the need to put focus on whether matters agreed upon the creation of MA63 have been complied with and also on the rights that have yet to be fulfilled.
“It is our joint responsibility to ensure they are implemented. This is emphasised in Article 8 of Federation of Malaysia Agreement,” he said.
He quoted Article 8 which read: “The governments of the Federation of Malaya, North Borneo and Sarawak will take such legislative, executive or other action as may be required to implement the assurances, undertakings and recommendations contained in Chapter 3 of, and Annexes A and B to, the Report of the Inter-Governmental Committee signed on 27th February, 1963, in so far as they are not implemented by express provision of the Constitution of Malaysia.”
“We must be united in building strength, peace, and unity in this country for the sake of our children and grandchildren. We must avoid playing semantics and politics as it will bring more benefits than backwardness, especially in the unity of Keluarga Malaysia,” he added.
Ongkili also mentioned that Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s views on MA63 was also consistent where he had emphasised that the proposal for a new agreement should not have been raised as it is an obligation to ensure that the MA63 is respected and fulfilled.
“So let’s focus on fulfilling those promises and bring the matter to the Special Committee (on MA63) chaired by Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob) with representatives from Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
Meanwhile, Semporna MP Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has urged for a timeline for the MA63 to be fully fulfilled and implemented as the agreement had been clearly established in the Federal Constitution.
Moreover, he said findings were clear that the Inter-Government Commission (IGC) had over 40 meetings between the government of the Federation of Malaya, North Borneo (now Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore until MA63 was formed.
“The details are in Article 8 and 10, (including) ways to pay, consolidated fund, collection of 40 per cent (revenue). The other is the Cobbold Commission (Report) until MA63 is included in the Malaysian Constitution.
“It is impossible that the government itself does not respect its constitution and could not fulfill the promises for tens of years. I don’t want to hear about any more studies being done when it is already in the constitution. Why can’t you even implement this?
“That’s why when I was in the government I raised this issue. I disagreed with the payment (then) chaired by the then prime minister (Tun Dr) Mahathir Mohamad, I opposed it.
“What’s most important is to fulfill the promises by our forefathers. Don’t just fool us all and play with the sentiments of the people in Sabah and Sarawak,” he added.
Ongkili emphasised that every action has been taken since the Pakatan Harapan (PH) time until now, and that negotiations are still ongoing with the next meeting scheduled some time in September. — DayakDaily
