DPM calls for better understanding of nation’s history under MA63 spirit

KUCHING (Jan 26): The spirit within the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) must be strengthened so that people would better understand the history behind nation’s formation, and for the state rights to be properly addressed.

This was stressed Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof when met by reporters after attending the inaugural ‘Universities of Oxford and Cambridge Alumni Network’ event here on Sunday night.

Elaborating, he said the education system seemed to be placing more focus on the formation of Malaya, while the history of Malaysia and MA63 was not strongly emphasised in the syllabus.

“That’s why we need to revive the spirit of Malaysia so that people understand how this country was formed.”

Fadillah pointed out that some matters agreed upon under MA63 had yet to be implemented, adding that there had been encroachment on state rights where the federal government was involved in state matters.

In relation to this, he said the point was not about making demands, but about rectifying what had not been properly carried out in accordance to MA63 and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report.

“What we want is for our rights to be returned.

“If they cannot be fully returned, then we should at least discuss how to harmonise the situation so that the spirit of Malaysia can maintain the harmony in the country,” he said.

When asked about the level of understanding of MA63 among the members of Parliament, Fadillah said it was ‘an ongoing process’.

“There are those who want to understand, and there are those who do not want to make the effort.

“In the end, this may be brought to a vote so that we can see the numbers, whether it goes towards a two-thirds majority or otherwise,” he replied.

On education policy, the Deputy Prime Minister said Bahasa Malaysia would be still be a compulsory credit for all school streams: national, aided, religious, Chinese, Tamil and other mediums; while a pass in ‘Sejarah’ (History) would be required to enter public universities.

He added that the curriculum content would be continuously reviewed to ensure its relevance in preparing students for future challenges.

“Times have changed. Engagements are ongoing and the planning is already in place.

“Changes will be implemented by cohort and will begin every six years, not all at once,” he said.

On ‘Universities of Oxford and Cambridge Alumni Network’ event, Fadillah hailed it as a ‘positive initiative’, in that it brought together elites from the world-renowned universities who were keen on collaborating in training and coaching young Sarawakians.

During a session, ‘A Fireside Chat on Aspiration and Impact’, he shared with the attendees the history of Malaysia and its formation, noting that many people still did not fully understand these important matters.