KUCHING: Putrajaya came in for praise for its strong commitment to resolve several issues related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan hoped some of the issues could be resolved fast in everyone’s interest as it would go a long way in strengthening ties between the federal and state governments.
Awang Tengah said this during a courtesy visit yesterday by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili at Wisma Sumber Alam. Among issues discussed were matters related to Sarawak’s interest.
“I have reiterated all the demands which have been submitted through the Socioeconomic Working Committee pertaining to Sarawak’s rights under MA63.
“Alhamdulillah, a few issues that we raised have been resolved. The most important ones are the amendments to the Federal Constitution, the spirit of MA63 and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) report,” he said.
Awang Tengah said the courtesy visit proved the federal government’s seriousness in wanting to resolve the issues (in the MA63), which made it easier for Sarawak to continue negotiations.
Meanwhile, Maximus said the courtesy visit was to do a ‘checklist’ on what to bring up at the upcoming Mesyuarat Majlis Khas on Feb 24.
“Among the matters are those related to poverty, socioeconomic – infrastructure, health, and education – as well as on border safety (Kalimantan areas) and the economy,” he said.
On the Feb 24 meeting, Maximus said although Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had yet to provide updates on the MA63 matters that were discussed several other issues related to the amendments would be renegotiated.
“There are some direct (amendments) that will be presented by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department’s (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at the meeting. However, we cannot disclose much for now”
“Nonetheless, on the grant for Sabah and Sarawak, the decision will be finalised by the committee next Monday (Feb 14) in Kota Kinabalu.
“And we hope the demands made by Sabah and Sarawak can be approved by the Finance Ministry,” he added.
