BINTULU: Sarawak reaffirmed its stand that the promises of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) must be fully upheld.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government had remained consistent in safeguarding the rights enshrined in the historic agreement.
He stressed MA63 was not merely a pact, but a legal and political covenant that guaranteed Sarawak’s rights, autonomy and special standing within the federation.
“When we talk about Malaysia Day, we cannot avoid mentioning MA63, the historic document that laid the foundation for the formation of Malaysia.
“Sarawak, together with Sabah, Malaya and Singapore, formed Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963 based on the conditions stipulated in MA63.
“Alhamdulillah, through close cooperation with the federal government under the leadership of the Prime Minister, much progress has been made in restoring Sarawak’s eroded rights,” he said.
He said this during the Sarawak-level Malaysia Day 2025 celebration at Bintulu Old Airport which was officiated by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar last night (Sept 16).
Abang Johari said among the rights already recognised was the 2021 amendment to the Federal Constitution, in which Wan Junaidi, then Law Minister, played a role in restoring Sarawak’s status as an equal partner in the formation of Malaysia.
He said this was not only an acknowledgement of history, but also a commitment to a fairer and more balanced future.
The Premier added that Sarawak had advanced its autonomy through several key measures, including Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) regulation under Petros, recognition of state technical departments, representation in the Inland Revenue Board, amendments to the Labour Ordinance, and full control of Bintulu Port.
“Although we have achieved much in reclaiming our rights under MA63, our struggle is not over.
“We are determined to continue pursuing and reclaiming these rights as enshrined in MA63 for the well-being of our people,” he stressed.
Referring to the recent MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) meeting held in Kuching, Abang Johari said three further agreements were reached, showing the federal government’s commitment to return Sarawak’s rights.
He said these included increasing parliamentary seats for Sarawak and Sabah, empowering state governors to endorse judicial appointments, and exempting the Environmental Quality Act 1974 from enforcement in the two states.
“This is proof that Sarawak is not just part of Malaysia, but an equal partner in building this nation,” he said.
