MA63 must be honoured, no need for a new deal, says Shafie

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) should be honoured as agreed upon by the nation's founding fathers and no other deal is needed, says Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

The Parti Warisan president said that MA63 must be upheld and there was no need for a "new deal" as suggested by Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

"MA63 must be upheld and implemented to maintain and enhance the relationship between East and West Malaysia," he said in a statement on Sunday (July 10).

He said MA63 was not based on an impulsive decision made overnight and had gone through thorough consultation and meticulously studied over a period of time.

"MA63 is an international treaty registered with the United Nations on Sept 21, 1970 as Treaty No. 10760. For the agreement to change, it will require the consent of Sabah and Sarawak as well as amendments to the Federal Constitution," he said.

Hasan had suggested a new Malaysia agreement during the Sabah Barisan Nasional convention last week.

"Just implement the agreement fully. That is what Sabahans and Sarawakians have been constantly crying out for decades now. They don't want a new agreement.

"I am deeply disappointed with my fellow Sabahan leaders who are willing to compromise the fundamental rights of Sabahans in order to protect their political interests.

"Instead of compromising, they should demand that MA63 is honoured and fully implemented," he said in reference to certain Sabah political parties that supported the idea.

Shafie said that failing to keep to the agreement would "erode trust, destroy confidence and integrity" and would break down the relationship between the two regions of Malaysia.