KUCHING: The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) remains the cornerstone of the nation’s constitutional foundation.
“The MA63 is not merely a historical document,” said Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and Federal-State Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.
“It is the very cornerstone of our Federation, a living safeguard that continues to protect the rights and interests of Sarawak and Sabah.”
In this context she said Sarawak’s efforts under MA63 were guided by the principles of partnership, autonomy and mutual respect.
She cited key achievements, among them, the amendment to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution, which restored the constitutional recognition of Sarawak and Sabah as equal partners in the Federation, and the amendment to Article 160(2), which formally binds the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report as part of the Federal Constitution.
She also highlighted the amendment to the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia Act 1995 as a major step forward, allowing Sarawak and Sabah to appoint permanent representatives to the Board.
“These developments are not mere concessions.
“They are recognitions of solemn commitments made at the nation’s founding, to safeguard the rights, autonomy and special interests of Sarawak and Sabah,” she said.
She reminded that the MA63 remains “a living safeguard, still enforceable today,” as affirmed in the Datuk Hj Muhammad Tufail v Dato Ting Check Sii Federal Court ruling, which validated the MA63’s continuing constitutional relevance.
“Honouring these obligations is essential.
“It maintains the legitimacy of our constitutional order and upholds the principle of partnership that lies at the heart of our Federation,” she said.
Sharifah Hasidah said Sarawak’s constitutional journey is not one of confrontation but conviction.
“When we protect Sarawak’s rights, we protect Malaysia’s unity.
“Equal partnership is not just a constitutional promise; it is the foundation of our shared future,” she said.
