Kuala lumpur: Demands for the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) must go hand in hand with the responsibility of building a progressive and harmonious nation, stated Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud. He emphasized the importance of pursuing the rights provided under MA63 while also addressing the collective duty to develop the country as a whole.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mustapha highlighted that this principle would guide his approach in resolving outstanding matters related to the agreement. On the progress of MA63 negotiations, he reported that out of the 29 issues raised, 13 had been fully resolved, one had been settled on an interim basis, while 15 others remained under negotiation.
As part of efforts to address the pending issues, Mustapha mentioned his discussions with Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and several other prominent figures to gather their views. He also noted engagement sessions with over 130,000 federal civil servants in Sabah and Sarawak to ensure they understand MA63, particularly department heads who can help execute the agenda in a structured manner.
On infrastructure development in Sabah, often linked to MA63, Mustapha revealed his involvement in a special committee tasked with monitoring delayed or troubled projects in Sabah and Sarawak to accelerate their implementation. Inspections have begun on stalled and new projects to ensure early-stage monitoring and prevent implementation problems.
Mustapha stressed the importance of prioritizing and transparently implementing basic infrastructure in Sabah and Sarawak, particularly water supply, electricity, and road networks, to demonstrate the government's commitment to resolving these issues. He cautioned that without addressing basic infrastructure problems, the value of the MA63 struggle might be questioned by the public, especially if significant rights like the 40 per cent revenue entitlement are secured but roads remain damaged and schools in poor condition.