KUCHING: Several issues and requests with regard to Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) that do not necessitate constitutional amendment could be resolved soon.
According to Deputy Minister in the Premier痴 Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, this covered Article 112D of the Federal Constitution regulating the allocation of special grants and representatives on the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).
“Sarawak’s claims are classified into two categories. Some are still unresolved while others can be resolved. Numerous issues remain to be debated and negotiated, including the necessity for additions and revisions to current laws.
“Some issues, such as the grant claim with Sarawak having filed the formula and the representatives in the IRB, may be settled as quickly as practicable. These are some of the issues on which agreement has been reached in principle,” she stated.
She made the remarks on Thursday (Dec 15) after officiating at the Sarawak Bumiputera Chamber of Entrepreneurs (DUBS) 2022 Women’s Conference here.
She added that requests such as a 35 per cent increase in the number of Dewan Rakyat members in Parliament needed longer time to address because a modification to the Federal Constitution was required.
“This is one of the issues that will not be resolved anytime soon. What we are hoping for are some claims that can be addressed as quickly as feasible within one month.”
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated earlier this week that various issues in the MA63 claim could not be settled in a month.
He said due to legal issues, the problem could not be handled within the stipulated time frame and that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is in charge of handling MA63-related issues, had already taken note of this.
When asked about Sarawak’s collaboration with Fadillah, Sharifah Hasidah replied that a joint meeting had been conducted to discuss such subjects.
“Of course, we communicate, sit together, and work closely on the MA63 issue since he will represent Sarawak at the federal level in fighting for our rights.
“It includes all the documents and information we received during the previous work visit to London. We must understand all of the rights that have been set down and agreed upon by prior leaders,” she emphasised.
Fadillah, who is also the Petra Jaya MP, previously stated that he would strive to handle all claims relating to MA63 within a month, as directed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Fadillah said the primary priority at the time was to discuss the state’s issues at the federal level with the Sabah and Sarawak governments.
He noted that all issues raised by MA63 that could be fixed within a month would be resolved promptly, while other issues that required permission would be brought before Parliament.
