SUPP sec-gen: MA63 is not a historical footnote, S’wak will not let its rights be ignored

Datuk Sebastian Ting (file pic)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 24: The Malaysian Agreement (MA63) is Malaysia’s backbone, not a footnote, says Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, stressing that Sarawak will not let its rights be ignored and fully backs the Sarawak government’s decision to file a petition to the Federal Court to determine the constitutional validity of key federal petroleum laws affecting Sarawak.

“This is not a political strategy. It is a constitutional reckoning long overdue. At the heart of this matter lies one fundamental truth: Malaysia was formed in 1963 upon agreed constitutional terms.

“Sarawak did not join an existing nation as a subordinate territory. Sarawak, together with Sabah, Singapore and the Federation of Malaya, formed Malaysia under MA63, the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, and the Federal Constitution.

“MA63 is not a historical footnote. It is the foundational federal compact,” he added in a statement today.

He also said the safeguards, legislative powers, and territorial boundaries that existed on Malaysia Day were constitutionally entrenched and cannot be amended, diluted, or overridden by federal laws.

“The sovereign rights over petroleum resources within Sarawak’s territory continued to belong to Sarawak on Malaysia Day,” he added.

He questioned the continued operation of certain federal laws enacted during the 1969 Emergency while adding that seeking a determination from the Federal Court was not confrontational.

“It is an assertion of constitutional order. The Federal Court is the guardian of the constitution. If constitutional doubt exists, it must be resolved judicially—not politically, not administratively, and not by assumption,” he said.

He stated that insisting on constitutional compliance strengthens the federation rather than weakening it.

Ting also added that SUPP recognised the Sarawak GPS government’s courage in defending the constitutional rights that define the Federation.

“Sarawak stands firm—not in hostility, but in constitutional conviction. MA63 is not negotiable. The constitution must prevail,” he said. — DayakDaily