MA63 spirit in unity govt pact will achieve a better Malaysia, says Shafie

PUTRAJAYA: The spirit and provisions of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in the unity government agreement would drive the country to a better political and economic situation, says Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.

The Parti Warisan president said he was impressed with one of the points in the document signed by five main parties and coalitions, saying that it could help bring about a better Malaysia.

“I believe that with the MA63 spirit embedded in the agreement, we can realise a better Malaysia.

“And most importantly, it can drive a more stabilised political situation which will then translate to economic stability,” he told reporters after the agreement signing at Bangunan Perdana Putra here on Friday (Dec 16).

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The agreement outlined that one of its goals is to uphold the spirit of cooperation, loyalty to the federation and fair sharing of power among the peninsula, Sarawak and Sabah.

It added that this would be achieved by empowering a fair political and economic position in accordance with the MA63 framework.

Present at the signing were leaders of Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Warisan.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also GPS chairman, said the state government subscribed to the agreement that would drive economic recovery.

“We have to recover from the problems we have been facing due to Covid-19 and we trust that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will pursue our development agenda and transformation,” he said.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also GRS chairman, said the coalition gave its fullest support to the agreement as it would be able to reunite the rakyat and lead to political stability.

“The agreement was something special to reunite the rakyat and provide stability to our political situation not only at the federal level, but also in Sabah.

“Sabah needs an ideal situation which would then provide us with growth in terms of our economy and development,” he said.

The agreement signed on Friday formalises the parties and coalitions’ cooperation to form the unity government led by Anwar.