MALAYSIA does not need a new agreement, or a “new deal” as some have described it, to ensure that commitments and responsibilities arising from the formation of the federation continue to be upheld, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
He said the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) did not cease to have effect with the enactment of the Federal Constitution, but continued to operate with terms and commitments that remained relevant and binding on all parties.
“The express terms of the agreement make clear that MA63 did not come to an end once the Federal Constitution was enacted, and MA63 continues to live on, with the commitments and responsibilities outlined remaining relevant and binding, then, now and forever,” he said in a Facebook post.
Armizan said this was among the key points that should be more widely understood and accepted in conjunction with the 63rd Malaysia Day today, particularly regarding the history of Malaysia’s formation and the position of Sabah and Sarawak as partners in the federation.
He said this was also affirmed by Article VIII of MA63, which provides that the governments of the Federation of Malaya, North Borneo and Sarawak would take legislative, executive or other action necessary to implement the guarantees, undertakings and recommendations contained in the report of the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC).
Armizan said awareness of Malaysia’s formation should not be confined to understanding the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1948, the social contract and Malaya’s independence in 1957.
Instead, it should also encompass recognition of MA63 as a foundational document in the formation of the Malaysian federation.
He said Malaysia Day was only officially observed from 2010, after Sept 16 was included in the national calendar, although Malaysia was formed in 1963.
“On its 63rd anniversary, let us together understand the value and meaning of Malaysia Day by accepting the existence of the terms of the agreement signed by our former leaders,” he said.
Armizan said understanding this history was important to ensuring that Malaysia remained united, progressive, prosperous and safe for all its people. - September 16, 2026
