KUCHING: Sarawak’s pursuit of its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) has been carried out through a structured, multi-level negotiation process involving various committees.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, said discussions with the federal government are conducted in an organised and professional manner.
She said the approach reflects Sarawak’s commitment to resolving issues through diplomacy rather than confrontation.
“What we are fighting for is within the context of Malaysia. We pursue our rights through diplomacy and negotiation. We have established many committees under MA63, and all matters are discussed in a structured way.
“Discussions begin at the working committee level, involving officers, stakeholders and relevant parties, before moving up,” she said during a town hall session held in conjunction with the Malaysia MADANI Nationhood Seminar Programme with community leaders of the Kuching District at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today (Apr 23).
Hasidah said issues are first deliberated in detail at the action committee level before being escalated to the technical committee.
She said the technical committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, includes Sarawak representatives alongside federal officials.
She added that matters are then brought to the highest platform, the MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63), chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“For example, financial matters are discussed professionally. We do not argue, but resolve issues through proper channels. All discussions are structured, professional and without emotion.
“That is why I emphasise that our engagement with the federal government is based on good governance and diplomacy,” she said.
Hasidah said Sarawak’s MA63 efforts became more formal and structured from 2016.
She said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg continued the approach by strengthening strategy, including efforts to gather historical records from overseas archives.
She added that the state has maintained its position despite multiple changes in federal leadership.
“We have taken steps, including going to London to access archives and build our strategy.
“Despite changes in leadership at the federal level, we continue to pursue this. There have been several Prime Ministers, but our efforts remain consistent.
“Our relationship with the federal government remains good, and we will continue to resolve issues through diplomacy,” she said.
