THE rights enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) belong to every citizen of Sabah and are not a political slogan for any single party.
Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Sabah and Sarawak Affairs, stressed that MA63 is the legitimate foundation establishing Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners in the Federation of Malaysia.
He highlighted the critical 40% entitlement from federal net revenue collected in Sabah under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution.
“For years, no concrete action was taken to settle these arrears,” Mustapha told reporters after addressing federal department heads in Sabah, reported by Bernama.
He stated that the current Madani government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has now paved the way for this rightful entitlement to be returned.
Mustapha reported encouraging progress from agencies like the Inland Revenue Board and Customs Department in determining the exact amount owed.
The formation of a special committee to review revenue data proves the Federal Government’s serious and transparent commitment to the matter, he added.
When asked about claims the Federal Government filed to stay a court ruling on the 40% grant, Mustapha said he lacked full information. – March 7, 2026
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