KUCHING: Sarawak must continue pursuing its outstanding Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) rights on revenue arrangements and oil and gas based on the Federal Constitution, MA63 and state laws, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman, Wilfred Yap Sau Sin.
He said the RM1.5-billion interim special grant was an important step in strengthening the Federal-Sarawak relationship, but should not be regarded as a settlement of Sarawak’s outstanding MA63 rights.
“The remaining issues, including revenue arrangements and oil and gas, must continue to be negotiated based on the Federal Constitution, MA63 and Sarawak’s laws.
“As our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has consistently maintained, Sarawak will remain constructive and reasonable in negotiations, but firm in protecting its constitutional rights,” he said when contacted by Sarawak Tribune, today.
He said the RM1.5-billion grant was an important step forward, but the MA63 journey did not end with the interim payment.
“As the elected representative for Kota Sentosa, my responsibility is to ensure that the interests and welfare of our people remain at the centre of everything I do,” he said.
Yap said the ‘Sarawak First’ principle meant that while the state continued to work constructively within the Federation, it must always safeguard Sarawak’s rights, resources and future.
He said the MA63 negotiations should ultimately translate into tangible benefits for the people, particularly through better development, infrastructure, education, healthcare and opportunities.
“This is not merely about negotiations at the national level. It must ultimately translate into better development, infrastructure, education, healthcare and opportunities for the people of Kota Sentosa and Sarawak,” he said.
Yap also reaffirmed his support for Premier Abang Johari’s position on MA63.
“I will continue to support the Premier’s position and do my part as a GPS legislator to ensure Sarawak’s voice is heard and our interests are protected,” he said.
The Special Grant has increased progressively in recent years. Following the Article 112D review, Sarawak received RM300 million in 2023 and RM306 million in 2024, before the interim payment was increased to RM600 million for 2025 and subsequent years.
The latest announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Malaysia Day 2026 celebration here recently effectively raises the interim amount to RM1.5 billion, replacing the RM600 million payment while negotiations on the outstanding MA63 matters continue.
