KUALA LUMPUR – Efforts to get what is due to Sabah in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is going according to plan under the watchful eye of the Special Council on the MA63.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili said both East Malaysian states’ governments have agreed to the formation of the Joint Consultative Review Committee.
The committee will focus on reviewing the special grants, including the 40% reimbursable provision for Sabah, as stipulated under Article 112 (D) of the federal constitution.
“I have had several meetings with Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz on the matter.
“We have agreed on the terms of references, including the list of members.”
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan yesterday reminded Putrajaya of its obligation to honour the MA63.
Ongkili said state Assistant Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun will head the Sabah team, while Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan will head the Sarawak team.
The committee will be tasked to review legal provisions with regard to financial matters stipulated under the federal constitution and MA63, he added, including scrutinising calculations and payments of annual grants, as well as previous payouts, as enshrined under the agreement.
“The committee will come up with resolutions to the annual grant payment demanded by both Sabah and Sarawak, as set under the Special Council on MA63.”
It will also be tasked to establish a balanced, fair and justified formula of the payment, in line with the country’s financial resources and status, he added.
The committee is expected to meet after the special council’s meeting on April 13, which will be chaired by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Ongkili will chair the committee meeting on behalf of the council, and submit resolutions on which the council will decide. – The Vibes, April 7, 2021
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