MA63 panel to discuss health and education autonomy

KUCHING: The next Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Technical Committee meeting, which is expected to focus on the autonomy of Sarawak and Sabah in health and education matters, will take place in January.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the matters are currently under discussion and outcomes from the discussion will be presented to the technical committee.

He said this to reporters when asked on the latest update of the MA63 technical committee meeting.

Earlier, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chief whip attended the closing ceremony of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) skills promotional programme held at SMK Tun Ahmad Zaidi, on Saturday (Dec 2).

Fadillah said the MA63 technical committee meeting which was scheduled to be held on Dec 5 had to be postponed as many federal ministers including those from Sabah and Sarawak will attend the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“God willing, the next meeting will be held in January, but the date has not been finalised because we need to discuss with the other ministers first on the available dates,” he said.

Earlier, the TVET skills promotional programme organised by Yayasan Insan Kemajuan Sarawak (YAKIN) and Petra Jaya Parliamentary Service Centre, involved 120 students from four schools in the Tupong, Satok, and Samariang constituencies.

“The purpose of the programme is to create awareness and attract more students to follow TVET courses as this could provide them with better job opportunities,” he said.

Fadillah said he will continue to provide support should there be plans to expand the programme in other schools within the state.