Special Coordination Committee to be established to fast-track technical resolution of MA63 claims

Mustapha addressing issues raised in the Dewan Rakyat on Jan 29, 2026. Photo credit: Information Department Malaysia

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Jan 29: An additional Special Coordination Committee will be established under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) and chaired by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud to scrutinise technical issues in greater detail, a move aimed at expediting consensus and implementation methods for outstanding MA63 claims.

In a TVS news, Mustapha said the committee will function as a focused platform to resolve complex technical matters, complementing existing mechanisms under the MTPMA63 to accelerate progress on long-standing issues raised by Sabah and Sarawak.

He said this when responding to a question from Datuk Matbali Musah (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah–Sipitang) in the Dewan Rakyat today on how the Madani government’s approach to implementing MA63 reforms differs from that of previous administrations.

According to Mustapha, the Madani government has strengthened negotiations through more authoritative and permanent institutional platforms, marking a departure from earlier approaches that relied on less structured mechanisms.

“The Madani government has enhanced the negotiation framework by establishing the MTPMA63, which is chaired by the Prime Minister, while its technical committee is chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister,” he said.

He added that of the 29 MA63 claims submitted by the Sabah and Sarawak governments, 13 have been successfully resolved to date, with nine realised under the Madani administration.

Among the key claims that have been resolved are the recognition of the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) of Sabah and Sarawak as Federal Technical Departments, amendments to the Inland Revenue Board Act to allow for the appointment of state government representatives, the handover of regulatory authority over electricity and gas in Sabah, as well as amendments to the Sabah and Sarawak Labour Ordinances.

Mustapha explained that recognising state JKR and JPS as Federal Technical Departments allows federal projects valued below RM50 million to be implemented directly by State governments, thereby speeding up project delivery and ensuring more direct benefits for the people of Sabah and Sarawak.

“This reflects the sincerity and courage of the Madani government in undertaking structural reforms related to MA63,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the remaining 16 MA63 claims are still at various stages of discussion, with one partially resolved, two having reached policy decisions, eight still under negotiation and five referred to the highest level for further consideration.

He noted that the timeframe for resolving each claim depends on factors such as differing legal interpretations, overlapping jurisdictions, the complexity of legislative processes, and the readiness of state governments in terms of institutional capacity, manpower and financial resources.

“The Madani government views MA63 as an ongoing process that requires careful and structured negotiations, rather than rushed decisions, to ensure fair, effective and sustainable outcomes for Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.