By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 14: Sri Aman MP Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie has called for the swift resolution of the payment of oil royalties, one of the fundamental demands still under discussion in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), urging for its fulfillment within this year.
Doris emphasised that the payment of oil royalties is crucial for providing financial support to Sarawak and Sabah, fueling further development in both regions.
“We are entitled to this right (Sabah and Sarawak), and it must be fulfilled. We are not seeking anything beyond what is rightfully ours, and we know the necessary steps to take once our rights are fully recognised,” she stated in an interview with TVS in Parliament today.
Echoing the sentiments of Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, Doris highlighted that the discussion on oil royalties and petroleum cash payments remains among the 15 basic demands still being deliberated within MA63.
These demands also include matters concerning oil minerals, oil fields, the Regional Marine Act 2012 (Act 750), and the state’s rights to the continental shelf.
Doris expressed optimism regarding the progress of the settlement process, particularly with the existence of the 1963 Malaysia Agreement Implementation Action Council Technical Committee (JKMTPMA63).
She believes that this committee, comprising ministers from Sabah and Sarawak, can expedite the resolution of all remaining MA63 basic demands, albeit acknowledging that it might take some time.
“As we are aware, this committee includes ministers from Sabah and Sarawak who can facilitate the relevant processes. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised during the Malaysia Day celebrations in Sarawak last year that MA63 is not up for negotiation but requires implementation,” she revealed.
“We hope that the Prime Minister’s words can be translated into action,” Doris concluded. — DayakDaily
