Upholding Sabah’s MA63 rights strengthens federation, not division, says PKDM VP

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 27): Efforts to uphold Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are aimed at strengthening the federation fairly and constitutionally, rather than creating division, said Jumardie Lukman.

The Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (PKDM) vice-president said the struggle aligns with the original spirit behind Malaysia’s formation, which emphasises unity, mutual respect, and cooperation among states.

Jumardie also voiced support for Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah acting youth chief Azrul Ibrahim’s call for reaffirming Sabah’s rights, describing it as a move that could strengthen relations between Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia without creating tension.

“This effort is not intended to create division, but to ensure Sabah’s rights are recognised in accordance with the Constitution and existing agreements,” he said in a statement.

He added that the decree of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong should guide discussions on MA63 matters, reminding all parties to return to Malaysia’s founding principles of justice, unity, and respect for diversity.

Jumardie said asserting Sabah’s rights, including claims on financial entitlements, revenue sharing, and administrative powers, is both legitimate and necessary to address the development gap between Sabah and Peninsular states more than five decades after Malaysia’s formation.

He emphasised that the development of Sabah and Sarawak should be seen as strategic investments for the nation rather than financial burdens.

“We are not asking for more than what is rightfully ours. What we are pursuing are rights that form the foundation of Sabah’s participation in Malaysia, and they must be fulfilled for the well-being of the people,” he said.