KOTA KINABALU: The government is committed to implementing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in stages, in line with the Royal Decree by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, says Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs), in welcoming His Majesty’s reminder to all lawmakers to reflect on the spirit of the formation of Malaysia, which was anchored by MA63, said this is a meaningful message for all.
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"His Majesty’s reminder brings to the attention that this country was formed on the basis of unity, not through hate or distrust," he said in a statement following the King’s Royal Address at the opening of the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament on Monday (Jan 19).
Sultan Ibrahim also urged policymakers to return to the original intention of the formation of Malaysia, prioritise its interests as a country without inciting tensions between states, as well as for any difference in views to be solved with maturity rather than hatred and distrust.
"In line with the Madani government’s approach under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, I stress that the Federal Government is committed to fulfil the MA63 in stages," Mustapha said.
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He added that these initiatives would be carried out based on facts and the Federal Constitution by focusing on principles of justice, transparency and results that give direct benefits to the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
These ongoing efforts include improvements in legal and constitutional frameworks, logical devolution of administrative powers, and enhanced strategic cooperation between the federal and Sabah and Sarawak state governments via constructive and continued negotiations.
Mustapha said that in the context of building a nation and strengthening national unity, the soon-to-be launched National Education Plan is aimed at placing a clearer emphasis on the history behind the formation of Malaysia, including the spirit and meaning of the MA63.
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"This is so that the younger generation can better understand what MA63 is and how this country was formed," he said.
He said the implementation is not just about fulfilling an agreement, but a part of Malaysia’s future national agenda to ensure more balanced development, better management of resources, and the delivery of a more responsive and integrated civil service.
"While upholding the Royal Decree, the Madani government will continue to ensure that the spirit of MA63 will be translated into concrete actions that focus on the people’s interests, for the stability of the nation and strengthening of unity between the federal and state governments," Mustapha added.
