KUCHING: Differences in legal interpretations on the jurisdictional authority between the federal and state governments are currently being looked into by the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council Technical Committee.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said one of the differences involves the jurisdiction over Sarawak’s maritime boundaries.
According to him, Sarawak has its own legislation on the maritime boundaries established before the formation of Malaysia, however, following the introduction of the Continental Shelf Act (APB) 1966 by the federal government, the state’s boundaries have become restricted.
“This is one of the interpretations that we have to look into. Therefore, the committee has agreed to bring these legal interpretations to the MA63 Implementation Action Council, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and attended by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,” he said.
He said this when after officiating at the Dragon Boat Festival at Al- Ansar Surau, Taman Yen Yen Matang here Sunday.
Meanwhile, on education and health issues in Sabah and Sarawak, he said there are some things that have been agreed upon and now need to get approval and endorsement.
“Whereas, the other matters that were not agreed upon need to be further discussed on how to resolve them as there are different legal views at the federal level and interpretation at the state level.
“So the matter needs to be looked into to determine what should be done. The final result of the discussion will then be brought to and determined by the Cabinet,” he said.
On the programme, he commended its organisation as it has further strengthened bonds in the community.
He pointed out that programmes such as this have led the nation to maintain its harmony with the diversity of races coming together.
“With that, we are able to focus on the development of the nation and the states. I hope that programmes such as this will always be successful,” he said.
