MA63: 16 Remaining Claims At Discussion Stage - Mustapha

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- The remaining 16 claims under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are still under negotiation, with one categorised as partially or interimly resolved, and two having reached a policy decision, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said that eight other claims remained under discussion, while five more had been referred for deliberation at the highest level.

“The MADANI government will continue to ensure that the implementation of MA63 is carried out in a prudent and inclusive manner, guided by the spirit of the Federation of Malaysia,” he said during the Ministers’ Question Time session.

He said this in response to a question from Datuk Matbali Musah (GRS-Sipitang) on the direct benefits anticipated for the people of Sabah and Sarawak from the improvements to the MA63 structure.

On the time frame for resolving the remaining claims, Mustapha said it would depend on several key factors, including differences in legal interpretations among the parties and the lengthy legal process involved

He said that so far, 13 claims had been resolved, including the recognition of the Public Works Department and the Irrigation and Drainage Department of Sabah and Sarawak, the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department, and the Sabah State Water Department as technical departments under Treasury Instruction 182 (AP182).

The resolution also involved amendments to the Inland Revenue Board Act 1995 to appoint Sabah and Sarawak state representatives as permanent members of IRB; the delegation of regulatory authority over gas and electricity supply to Sabah; the administration of the judiciary in Sabah and Sarawak; and amendments to the Sabah and Sarawak labour ordinances.

Mustapha said the MADANI government’s commitment to upholding the rights of Sabah and Sarawak was reflected in its bold structural reforms, including through the establishment of the MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63), chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to expedite the negotiation and settlement of claims.

He said the government’s commitment was further demonstrated through significant fiscal support, with Sabah and Sarawak receiving development allocations of RM6.9 billion and RM6 billion, respectively, in 2026.

--BERNAMA