Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that claims under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) must be resolved through rational discussions and negotiations, and not through confrontation or hostility. He said the MADANI Government is committed to resolving the claims comprehensively, including through discussions and negotiations under the Technical Committee of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated that the ongoing discussions are crucial for reaching agreements. Datuk Seri Fadillah chairs the technical committee, and meetings are held to discuss the claims. If agreements are reached, they are implemented; if not, further discussions and votes are conducted. Anwar emphasized that cooperation is key, not confrontation, as he spoke at the ‘Rancakkan MADANI’ programme.
Also present at the event were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, along with more than 2,000 participants, including university students and local community members.
Regarding the claim for a 40 per cent revenue return for Sabah, the prime minister urged all parties to first study and understand the matter. During his visit to Jalan Gaya, he noted the public’s calls regarding Sabah’s revenue. Anwar acknowledged its inclusion in MA63 but highlighted ongoing discussions over the past three years since the MADANI Government’s tenure began.
On October 23, Fadillah reported that 13 out of the 29 MA63 claims discussed under the agreement had been classified as resolved. Anwar, also serving as Finance Minister, mentioned that the federal government allocates RM17 billion annually to Sabah, covering education, health, security, and infrastructure development, which surpasses Sabah’s annual revenue collection of approximately RM10 billion.
The prime minister explained that the federal funds allocated to Sabah are part of a cooperative effort between federal and state governments to aid all Malaysian states. Despite opposition leadership in states like Kelantan and Perlis, federal support continues to address issues such as annual floods, with billions spent in assistance, reflecting the government’s responsibility to care for all Malaysians.
Anwar highlighted the need for strong leadership to unite people of various ethnicities and further national unity. He stated that true leadership is not about conflict but about cooperation and fostering unity among Malaysians from different backgrounds.
The prime minister reaffirmed the MADANI government’s dedication to working for the people’s interests, emphasizing continued efforts despite his advancing age.