MIRI – Outstanding disputes between Sarawak and Putrajaya over the terms of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) can be settled in an “extended family” atmosphere, said Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg during a state dinner last night in honour of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The prime minister is here on a two-day working visit, having arrived yesterday morning.
“Sarawak is a family that can take care of itself,” the chief minister said.
“We see Putrajaya as our extended family. Therefore, with regard to outstanding matters relating to MA63, we can settle them like an extended family.”
Abang Johari said he and the state government agree with the prime minister that the Special Council on MA63 is the proper forum to negotiate the state’s claims for higher oil and gas royalty, and for more autonomy in areas like tax revenues and education.
The council, chaired by Muhyiddin himself, will sit next week to discuss the latest issues on the ongoing negotiations among Sarawak, Sabah and Putrajaya.
MA63 is a document that spells out the terms of Sabah (then North Borneo), Sarawak and Singapore uniting with the Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia in 1963. – The Vibes, April 2, 2021
