MA63 must be respected, fulfilled - Anwar

 

The federal government’s stance is that all agreements signed with Sabah and Sarawak, including the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), must be respected and fulfilled, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

As the country's number one leader, Anwar said, he was responsible for ensuring that the matter was resolved, and he acknowledged that various efforts have been made by previous federal administrations in this regard over the past few years, including amending the Federal Constitution.

"We need to try to resolve it (the MA63 issue) earnestly and not just make political statements or promises to get support from Sarawak or GPS.

"When we look at the state of development in Sabah and Sarawak, especially in the interior, I cannot deny that there are tasks that we have not completed well," he said in his speech at the state banquet in Kuching last night.

Anwar said Malaysia is a federation and that the spirit of unity would not be achieved if the people’s feelings or sentiments are hurt.

"The leader's job is to heal, not to add salt to the wounds. That's why I see this effort as part of fulfilling a responsibility.

"I am touched when I hear the complaints from Sarawak and Sabah or the minorities who feel that they are left out of the mainstream of development. This is not right, so we must treat (this situation)," he said.

After taking office in November last year, the prime minister yesterday began his two-day maiden working visit to Sarawak.

Today, Anwar is scheduled to attend the MA63 Implementation Action Council meeting, which will also be attended by Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.

- Bernama