PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to implement the provisions outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
This statement is in response to concerns raised by several MPs and influential figures on the allocation of resources to Sabah.
“Some are questioning the allocation in Sabah. Several MPs and public figures questioned why Penang is getting a higher allocation than Sabah.
“Please do not listen to this rhetoric, which is baseless and without facts. It is only their sentiments intended to attract support from the people.
“So I want to clarify. Should we assess and implement MA63? I say yes. Let’s implement it,” he said to a crowd of about 3,000 in Penampang today.
Anwar said Putrajaya has implemented the devolution of electricity regulatory powers, approval of projects under RM50 million, appointments of two persons – one from Sabah and one from Sarawak – as board members in the Inland Revenue Board, and also increased the amount of developmental budget to Sabah in just under a year of his administration.
“We have taken action (in realising the MA63) in a year against 10 years from (the governments) before,” he said.
He also rubbished claims that Sabah received lesser allocation than Penang, saying he has approved RM6.8 billion to Sabah and only RM1.4 billion to Penang under Budget 2024.
“So how did they come up with the calculation? Is RM1.4 billion bigger than RM6.84 billion? We are giving Sabah more because the state has many issues. We want to help all and this is the responsibility of both the federal and Sabah governments.”
Overall, he said Putrajaya has allocated RM16.21 billion to Sabah and expressed hope all resentments over funding would end.
On another issue, Anwar said while the national language policy for official business has been eased in Sabah and Sarawak, emphasis on its proficiency will be further boosted in schools.
He also said English will be given emphasis.
“Improving the education and proficiency of Bahasa Melayu nationwide must be prioritised, although the rules are relaxed in Sabah and Sarawak.
“But I have requested the Education Ministry to focus on the English language in all schools as well. I want Malaysians to be proud of their national language but also place importance on English,” he said. – The Vibes, December 7, 2023
