KOTA KINABALU: Sabah STAR has voiced strong support for His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s royal address, describing his reminder on the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as “clear and timely”.
Sabah STAR information chief Anuar Ghani Gilong said the King’s emphasis that MA63 must remain a pillar of unity and fairness within the Federation carried a crucial message for national harmony, regional justice and political stability.
“The rights of Sabah and Sarawak enshrined in MA63 are not divisive in nature. They are part of the original agreement that led to the formation of Malaysia and must therefore be respected by all,” Anuar said in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 20).
He also welcomed Sultan Ibrahim’s call for elected representatives from Sabah and Sarawak to play a constructive role in defending state rights through constitutional means and consensus.
Anuar also noted that the stance echoed the long-standing struggle of Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who has consistently championed the restoration of Sabah’s rights under MA63, including the 40 per cent net revenue entitlement, greater state autonomy and recognition of Sabah as an equal partner in the Federation.
“The MA63 struggle led by Kitingan is firmly grounded in the Constitution and the spirit of federalism, in line with the King’s reminder that differences should be managed prudently and not exploited to inflame regional sentiments,” he said.
Anuar said that Malaysia’s unity and sovereignty can only be strengthened through mutual respect, understanding of state autonomy and close cooperation between the Federal and state governments, as emphasised by the King.
He said the party remained committed to upholding MA63 in pursuit of regional justice, the welfare of the people, and a stable future for the Federation.
