KUCHING: The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) has become a symbol of equal partnership that has strengthened the position and rights of Sarawak and Sabah in the Federation of Malaysia since its establishment over six decades ago.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, said that the MA63 is not just a historical document, but rather the foundation of the federal system that guarantees the autonomy, rights and interests of this state.
“Our federation is not built on the basis of one party dominating the other, but is based on partnership.
“It does not demand uniformity but rather respects diversity and is not based on centralisation of power but a balance of protection that safeguards the rights and interests of Sarawak and Sabah for future generations,” she said at the International Legal Talk Series Programme here on Tuesday.
Sharifah Hasidah also explained that the MA63 is a commitment that serves as a guide for the government in ensuring that the country’s policies and laws remain in line with the principle of equal partnership.
“No one party can dominate the other because Malaysia was formed on the basis of partnership. The MA63 is not just a historical document, but it is the cornerstone of the formation of the Federation of Malaysia.
“It includes the conditions that were carefully negotiated until Malaysia was born as a nation. Therefore, the MA63 is the most important document for Malaysia,” she said.
She also noted that various important successes have been achieved as a result of the negotiations between the state government and the federal government, including amendments to Article 1(2) and Article 160(2) of the Federal Constitution.
