Disclosing reports on ongoing MA63 talks would be premature, says Ongkili

KOTA KINABALU: There is no requirement to disclose reports on the ongoing discussion over issues pertaining to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), says Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.

Disclosing that it was premature to make any announcement, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) explained that matters concerning MA63 were still under negotiation.

"The reports are quite technical and documents are confidential, which should be protected as provided by the law.

"However, the government will make announcements from time to time, once we have reached a common solution on the matter,” he said.

He said this in reply to a question from Sri Aman Member of Parliament, Datuk Masir Kujat, in his winding-up speech on the motion of thanks to the Royal Address in Parliament, Thursday (Sept 23).

Ongkili also disclosed that the government, under the Special Council on MA63 (MKMA63), had agreed to settle issues pertaining to MA63, subject to regulations and laws.

"Under the previous government (Pakatan Harapan), several MA63 issues were discussed and only agreed in principle," he said.

He said to resolve the claims, further action was needed involving policy changes, amendments to laws, both at the Federal and state levels, before it was implemented.

Ongkili also told the august House that the administrative powers of the Sipadan and Ligitan islands had been reassigned to the Sabah government.

"During the MKMA63 meeting on April 13, this year, we have agreed to revoke the Protected Areas and Protected Places (KLTL) order on the two islands, thus giving full authority and control over to the Sabah government, under the Sabah Parks Enactment 1984," he said.

Ongkili further disclosed that the scope of focus of the four MKMA63 working committees on socio-economy, equal partner, security, and joint consultative committee on special grants under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution (JCC) were wide and comprehensive.

"These matters have far-reaching impacts on Sabah and Sarawak rights, and even revenues," he said.