KOTA KINABALU: The state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 are already enshrined under the Constitution and should be implemented without further discussions, said Parti Warisan information chief Datuk Azis Jamman.
He said that there was no more need to hold discussions on the issue as it was only a question of implementing the various rights listed under the Constitution.
"I firmly believe that Sabah’s rights must be fulfilled without delay," he said in a message to mark National Day.
"MA63 was signed, agreed upon, and sealed in 1963 by the leaders of Sabah, Sarawak, (Singapore then) and Malaya, which led to the formation of Malaysia.
"Implementing MA63 is constitutionally required and therefore does not necessitate any more deliberation. The time for implementation is now," he said.
Azis said leaders in this country must recognise that MA63 is not merely about the 40% Special Grant Revenue for Sabah but it defines the Federal List, State List and Concurrent List in which allocation of funds is determined between the federal and state governments in Malaysia.
"These lists are embedded in the Constitution and are structured to ensure that both national and local needs are adequately financed while respecting the autonomy and special considerations of different regions, particularly Sabah and Sarawak," he added.
Azis said that there should not be a need for more committees or more discussions and negotiations as it was a question of implementation of the Constitution.
Moreover, he said that since the first Pakatan Harapan government in 2018, 17 of the 21 demands have already been agreed upon by both the state and federal governments while half of the current unity government Cabinet members were part of the previous Pakatan Harapan government.
"I can assure you that 17 out of the 21 demands under MA63 had already been agreed upon by both the federal government and the Sabah government for implementation," said Azis stating that as former Deputy Home Minister, he was involved in the technical committee discussions.
"In other words, extensive meetings and discussions at all levels have already taken place and the only thing left is the implementation," he added.
"It is not just a moral obligation to honour MA63 but honouring it is the foundation of good governance," he said, adding that fulfilling it builds trust that is necessary for lasting partnerships.
"While we reflect on our nation’s journey, it’s crucial to remember the promises made and the foundation laid during its inception," he added.
