Anwar: MA63 is national commitment, not Sabah and Sarawak issue alone

THE Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) must not be regarded as an issue concerning Sabah and Sarawak alone, but as a national commitment that must be upheld collectively, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

He said Malaysia was founded on a national pact — an “ikrar, janji dan muafakat” (pledge, promise and consensus) between its leaders and people to safeguard a sovereign federation, uphold justice and ensure the well-being of all.

“This is the pact that we must continue to uphold firmly and fulfil as a shared trust.

“Therefore, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) cannot be seen as a matter concerning Sabah and Sarawak alone. MA63 is a national pact and responsibility, and must be addressed collectively.

“We have made a promise, and it is the responsibility of the present generation to translate and fulfil the promise that formed the foundation of Malaysia,” he said.

Anwar said he was encouraged that most Malaysians continued to place national unity and cohesion above group interests.

Differences could be debated within the democratic space, he said, but that space should be used to build and strengthen the country rather than undermine or tear apart bonds forged over decades.

“Let us not allow calls rooted in exclusion, narrow-mindedness or parochialism to take precedence over the national interest.

“This is not about the peninsula, Sabah or Sarawak separately. Our narrative is a national narrative, our interests are shared interests, and the progress of Sabah and Sarawak is the progress of Malaysia as a whole,” he said.

He said the spirit of Malaysia must continue to be nurtured not merely through rhetoric, but through efforts and action that ensure justice, well-being and prosperity for all Malaysians.

“Long live Malaysia!” he said.

The prime minister said this while speaking at the national-level 2026 Malaysia Day Celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

The guest of honour at the celebration was the Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. Also present were Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Commenting on MA63, Anwar said that nine issues related to the agreement have been resolved under the Madani government.

He said that among the matters resolved was the decision to recognise both Sabah and Sarawak's Public Works Department (PWD) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) as technical departments, as well as the appointment of permanent representatives from both states to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).

Anwar said the Madani government had also successfully handed over electricity regulatory powers to Sabah and transferred Bintulu Port to Sarawak.

"Resolving these matters requires good cooperation between the state governments and the federal government. If Sarawak prospers, it brings prosperity to Malaysia as well.

"So, when Bintulu Port belongs to Sarawak, it remains a vital port for Malaysia; I view it from that perspective -- this is a pledge for Malaysia. It represents shared interests and shared wealth," he added. - September 17, 2026