KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has called for continued courage and wisdom in the negotiations surrounding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), despite ongoing challenges.
Speaking at the MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) Technical Committee meeting on Thursday (Sept 12), Dr Sim stressed the importance of adhering to the spirit of the founding fathers in these discussions.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim provided crucial guidance during the meeting to ensure the negotiations progress smoothly.
Dr Sim said differing interpretations of the Constitution and legal frameworks often arise among legal experts, including the federal and state attorneys general.
“However, it is crucial that in matters related to MPTMMA63, all interpretations consider the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, the Cobbold Commission, and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Reports.
“While most of us were either too young or not born during the time these documents were written, it is vital that the attorney general (AG) and state attorney general take into account the spirit and original intention behind them,” Dr Sim said on his official Facebook page.
Dr Sim also pointed out that negotiations, ideally, should have started right after Malaysia’s formation in the 1960s. However, these were delayed due to the Emergency.
“Currently, the process is ongoing, but verifying the original spirit of these documents with the founding figures is challenging.
“Nevertheless, PM Anwar’s guidance offers hope for progress in future meetings. We have already resolved over 39 per cent of the issues under MA63 negotiations,” he added.
The meeting was attended by key figures, including Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, who led the Sarawak delegation, and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who led the Sabah delegation.
The secretariat and technical committee are chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
CAPTION:
KCH-sim ma63-1309-al: Dr Sim (right) in a conversation with Fadillah during the MTPMA63 meeting. Photo: Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian Facebook
