Sarawak pushes for further discussions on unresolved MA63 issues

SRI AMAN: The Sarawak government has called for further discussions on unresolved matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) negotiation.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that while 11 matters have been resolved, there are still others that require separate discussions between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, and himself.

“Among the unresolved issues is the right regarding the power to collect stamp duty or taxes that must be paid during house sale-purchase agreements, which can reach hundreds of millions of ringgit per year in Sarawak,” he said.

Abang Johari said this in his text-of-speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the 2024 Sarawak-level Malaysia Day Celebration held at the Indoor Stadium Complex, Sri Aman here today (Sept 16).

The Premier also expressed confidence that all matters under MA63 will be resolved as long as the federal government, the Sarawak government, and the Sabah government can sit together to discuss in an environment guided by the concept of Malaysia Madani and emphasise mutual respect between one another.

“I would also like to thank the Prime Minister for deciding to increase the allocation from RM300 million to RM600 million per year as a special interim grant to Sarawak and Sabah, as provided for in the Federal Constitution,” he said.

On a related note, Abang Johari said in commemorating this historic Malaysia Day, it must be remembered that Sarawak is not ‘menumpang kasih’ (relying on favours) but the state, together with other territories, established Malaysia as a sovereign nation with its own constitution.

“Sarawak has its own political and administrative system, with clear boundaries and population.

“Sarawak should not be diminished or reduced to a status other than a founding partner in the formation of Malaysia.

“This is the spirit of MA63, fought for by our leaders when they negotiated with other independence figures and the British.

“Sarawak cannot be reduced to a status that is less than a founding partner of Malaysia,” he pointed out.

He added that during the opening ceremony of the Conference of Speakers of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies of Malaysia 2024 last Friday, it is to be clarified that Sarawak’s efforts under the MA63 are not aimed at challenging the Federation of Malaysia.

“Sarawak’s requests based on MA63 are efforts to rectify and fulfil Sarawak’s rights and privileges contained in the Federal Constitution and the MA63 Agreement.

“The working relationship between the Sarawak government and the federal government should be based on and respect what is outlined in the Federal Constitution and MA63,” he said.