By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 5: Putrajaya cannot afford to let the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) drag beyond Sarawak’s December deadline as the issue risks becoming a major political flashpoint ahead of the coming State election, political analyst Dato Peter Minos said.
Minos said Sarawakians were increasingly frustrated by the pace of progress on MA63, with negotiations on outstanding rights and entitlements having stretched for almost a decade since formal discussions intensified in 2016.
“Sarawakians are asking what is so difficult about returning Sarawak’s rights and entitlements under MA63. Why has it taken 10 years and why are some matters still unresolved?” he said in a statement today.
According to Minos, public patience is wearing thin and any further delays could fuel dissatisfaction towards the federal government at a politically sensitive time.
“What happens if by December the issues are still not resolved? Sarawakians will be unhappy. There is no need for bad feelings between Sarawak and the federal government, but prolonged delays will inevitably create frustration,” he said.
His remarks come after Sarawak reiterated that all outstanding MA63 matters must be prioritised and resolved before the end of the year.
He said the matter could become particularly significant given expectations that a Sarawak election could be held later this year.
“Sarawak election is coming very soon, maybe in November or December. If the MA63 is not resolved by then, it will definitely become a big political issue — one against Kuala Lumpur. I’m sure of this,” he said.
He also pointed to the broader political landscape at the federal level, arguing that Putrajaya should be mindful of its relationship with Sarawak.
“Kuala Lumpur already has big problems after ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) lost badly in Johor and Negeri Sembilan and it cannot afford to have problems with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS),” he said.
He added that political uncertainties at the national level could further increase the importance of maintaining good federal-state relations.
“On Aug 16, DAP will decide whether it will continue in the PH government or leave it. If DAP votes to leave, there could be a snap general election. If so, can PH antagonise GPS?” he asked.
Minos said it would be in the interests of both Putrajaya and Sarawak to bring the outstanding MA63 matters to a close as soon as possible.
“It is best that Kuala Lumpur obliges Sarawak as soon as possible, even though time is short and running out. December is only five months away from now,” he said.
In the meantime, he urged Sarawakians to continue supporting the State government’s efforts to pursue the restoration of Sarawak’s rights and entitlements under MA63.
“For Sarawakians, the wait has been too long. They want to see concrete results, not endless discussions. The federal government’s challenge now is to demonstrate that the remaining MA63 issues can finally be brought to a close,” he said.
Speaking at the Technical Committee Meeting under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) No. 2 of 2026 in Putrajaya on Monday (Aug 3), Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas stressed that unresolved issues should be concluded within the targeted timeframe.
To date, 13 MA63 matters have been resolved, while five have been addressed on an interim basis. Two matters remain unresolved despite receiving policy decisions, four are still under discussion, and another five have been escalated for consideration and decision at the highest level.
Among the key issues under discussion are the expansion of staffing positions for the Sabah and Sarawak State Public Services under Article 112 of the Federal Constitution, the implementation of Borneonisation in the federal civil service, healthcare and education matters, the devolution of environmental authority, and development along the Sabah-Sarawak-Kalimantan border. — DayakDaily
