MA63 STEPS OUT OF RHETORIC WITH MADANI GOVT DRIVING STRONGEST PROGRESS YET, SAY ANALYSTS

By Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is no longer perceived merely as political rhetoric under the MADANI government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, but has regained its status as a serious constitutional agenda aimed at restoring the rights of Sabah and Sarawak.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Senior Fellow Associate Prof Dr Bilcher Bala said MA63 had often been perceived in the past as a political issue, but that landscape changed following the amendment to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution and clearer commitments by the current administration in fulfilling the rights provided for under the agreement.

“In its original context, demands related to MA63 have existed for a long time. Previous federal governments tended to view the matter as political rhetoric, especially before the amendment to Article 1(2) was passed in 2021 and enforced in early 2022. Since then, it is no longer just rhetoric,” he told Bernama recently.

Bilcher, who is also a member of the National Historians Council, said the MADANI government’s approach, which emphasises closer and more harmonious ties with Sabah and Sarawak, has accelerated the resolution of various claims, setting the current administration apart from its predecessors.

“Unlike previous prime ministers who did not enjoy very close relations with the state governments, the MADANI administration maintains very close ties with the state governments. That is why it has been easier for the Prime Minister,” he added.

Bilcher opined that Anwar has also demonstrated clearer political will in addressing MA63-related matters, in keeping with rights long embedded in the Federal Constitution.

“PMX (Anwar) is more accommodating compared to previous prime ministers, who were less inclined to respond,” he said.

He pointed out that resolving MA63 claims is also key to addressing fringe voices advocating separation for Sabah and Sarawak, including small parties calling for independence.

“People of both regions are fully aware that MA63 claims have never been about secession, but rather about ensuring the agreed autonomous rights during the formation of Malaysia continue to be respected.

Bilcher, who has been researching MA63 since 2015, said more claims have been resolved under Anwar's administration than previously, reflecting the MADANI Government’s commitment to gradually restoring rights to the (Malaysian) Borneo regions.

“If we look at the approvals and discussions relating to MA63 demands, more have been resolved during his (Anwar’s) tenure. This shows he is more accommodating and open to accepting these matters,” he said.

Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sabah campus Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Administrative Science and Policy Studies, Tony Paridi Bagang, said stronger public pressure from Sabah and Sarawak, combined with greater political will from the Federal leadership, has made the MADANI Government more productive in fulfilling MA63 commitments.

He said the political changes following the 14th General Election (GE14) have produced leadership that is more sensitive and responsive to Borneo issues.

“The national political landscape has changed significantly, especially after GE14. Changes in government brought leadership that needed to be more aware, committed and ready to act.

“In the context of MA63, it has long been used as political capital and has fuelled strong regional sentiment. As a result, the response from the Federal leadership has become increasingly sensitive and committed, enabling nine MA63 claims to be fulfilled,” he said.

Tony said the political will shown by the MADANI Government remains an important catalyst, although there is still room for further progress.

He believes that the successful implementation of nine MA63 claims so far has created positive momentum for other outstanding matters.

“The success in implementing the nine MA63 demands will certainly have a positive impact and provide moral support towards greater claims. The federal government’s commitment and determination must continue so that the people of Sabah and Sarawak will have greater confidence and trust in the current leadership,” he said.

Tony added that bilateral cooperation between the Federal and state governments must continue to be strengthened to ensure MA63 implementation can be addressed comprehensively.

“The existing committees must maintain their momentum in finding the best ways to quickly resolve remaining issues. Federal–state relations must remain harmonious and mutually respectful.

“Constructive views and criticism from the opposition and civil society should also be heard to ensure MA63 issues are addressed conclusively, not only for the people of Sabah and Sarawak, but for all Malaysians,” he said. 

On Oct 23, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof announced that 13 of the 29 MA63 claims have been categorised as resolved, including nine under the current administration. 

-- BERNAMA