Action against Zaid Ibrahim on MA63 remarks only if police report lodged, says Home Minister

KOTA SAMARAHAN (Nov 29): Any actions against former federal law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim over his recent remarks questioning the validity of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) can only be considered if a police report has been lodged, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

“If there are reports related to it, then we will see under which Act or which section it falls under.

“We will look into it first. Only when that happens can we provide further comments,” he told a press conference after officiating the Majlis Penyerahan Projek Kampung Angkat Madani organised by the Registrar of Societies at SK Dato Muhammad Musa in Kampung Sindang Baru here.

Saifuddin, who was responding to questions about calls for action under the Sedition Act against Zaid, declined to comment directly on the suggestion of seditious action, but instead highlighted the government’s current stance and commitment to MA63.

“I can only state the government’s position regarding MA63. The commitment shown by the government, translated not only in words but in implementation by the Prime Minister, is the decision to place the responsibility of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof to chair the meetings between the federal government, Sabah and Sarawak regarding the implementation of what has been agreed upon in the agreement.

“Commitment to the agreement must be assessed based on the achievements or implementation of what has been agreed. Our focus is on what remains to be fulfilled, what constraints need to be addressed, and what must still be delivered,” he said.

Saifuddin also urged the public to evaluate remarks made by an individual that could potentially affect longstanding relations between regions.

“If there are comments by any individual, whatever the purpose or intent, and if such comments could affect the good relations that have existed for so long, I invite the people to assess such leaders.

“This is an outgoing leader. He (Zaid) had his prime time, he was a Member of Parliament, he sat in the Cabinet, he has a legal background, he knows.

“There is no reason for him to make statements that could cause unease when the Madani government is focusing on fulfilling all that has been agreed,” he added.

Saifuddin said it was up to the public to judge leaders who do not demonstrate responsibility in maintaining peace and harmony through cautious public statements.