BARISAN Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reiterated his commitment to ensuring Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are fully realised, describing the issue as a core priority for the state’s population.
Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and UMNO president, acknowledged widespread sentiment in Sabah that MA63 has yet to be properly implemented.
"I agree that the main issue of concern in Sabah is the implementation of MA63. Before 2018, Sabah was represented by ministers from the state, while Sarawak was represented by ministers from Sarawak to ensure that the implementation of MA63 was properly translated," he said.
He was speaking after launching the Rancangan Pembangunan Sabah Satu manifesto at the UMNO Sabah headquarters on Saturday.
His remarks followed criticism by a former UMNO minister who suggested that MA63 was burdensome and should be scrapped if it could not be implemented.
Zahid stressed that current efforts were a continuation of what had been affirmed under previous BN administrations.
"Now, when Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, the Deputy Prime Minister II, has been given the mandate by the Prime Minister to implement MA63, it is a continuation of what had been recognised under the former BN government.
"I am confident that with the trust placed in the BN government, MA63 can indeed be implemented," he said.
He added that he would personally press the Cabinet to fulfil Sabah’s rights under the agreement.
"God willing, Datuk Seri Arthur (Kurup), as a BN Sabah component partner, will also voice this out," he said.
Turning to the ongoing state election campaign, Zahid alleged that certain parties were distributing cash to voters in Sabah.
"We have learned that there are parties and coalitions giving cash to voters. Some have given RM300, RM500, even RM1,000.
"That is your good fortune, take the money, but keep your hearts and votes with BN.
"But surely, for RM300, RM500 or even RM1,000, we would not allow the people of Sabah to suffer another five years," he told supporters at the BN Sabah manifesto launch.
Zahid said BN would monitor the implementation of its manifesto closely should it return to power.
"I will monitor the implementation one by one if we govern Sabah.
"I will ensure there are Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to be implemented. In addition, I will ensure there are National Key Result Areas (NKRAs)," he added.
He urged the people of Sabah to give BN another chance to govern the state.
Zahid also acknowledged that UMNO had faced a wave of attacks throughout the 17th Sabah generl election campaign but insisted the party remained resilient.
"Yes, this has indeed happened, but we will never weaken in spirit regardless of any attack, slander—whether physical or spiritual.
"We believe the strength of support will inspire UMNO Sabah leaders and candidates to win the seats they are contesting," he said.
He was responding to questions about attacks directed at UMNO leaders, including Sabah UMNO chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
When asked about BN’s prospects, Zahid said the coalition aimed to win every seat it was contesting.
"If possible, we want to win everything. But the reality is that we must work hard because our political opponents also have strong tools to attack us. We believe that this time, the wave will move towards blue, and we will turn Sabah blue again.
"We have a long history in which Sabah under BN was once a very developed state. I believe that if BN is given the mandate once more, God willing, we will work together with other parties and coalitions to redevelop Sabah," he said.
Zahid added that BN’s cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH) would strengthen their chances of securing the seats they are contesting - November 22, 2025
