KOTA KINABALU – A new Malaysia Agreement would be a distortion of the national struggle, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili.
He said no one should change Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as it is the basis of the founding of Malaysia.
“MA63 is a sacred and foundational document of the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, which means that with no MA63, (there would be) no Malaysia,” he told the Dewan Rakyat during Question Time today.
“No one should change the basic agreement that brought about the creation of Malaysia. Any views that propose a new agreement are a distortion of Malaysia’s national struggles. When we sideline MA63, it means we are also sidelining Malaysia.
“Such views are very confusing and not in line with the constitutional amendment that has now included the MA63.”
Ongkili, who is the minister in charge of Sabah and Sarawak affairs, said this in response to a question by Datuk Azis Jamman (Sepanggar-Warisan).
“Federal lawmakers should focus on the items agreed on in MA63 whether or not they have been implemented or the state rights have been fulfilled, as these are our responsibilities.”
Azis had asked the view of the federal government on the proposal of several MPs, including Keningau MP Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, on the need for a new agreement to replace MA63 and its implications to Sabah and Sarawak. – The Vibes, July 26, 2022
