KOTA KINABALU: Sarawak and the Federal Government will develop a formula to determine payments related to the state’s claims under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), taking into account both the country’s financial position and Sarawak’s interests.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the formula would be developed jointly by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Sarawak Ministry of Finance following discussions at the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MTPMA63) Implementation Action Council meeting here today (Sept 11).
Anwar said the framework would consider the country’s fiscal position, financial capacity and the minimum and maximum levels that could be agreed.
“Sarawak has also presented its views on the formula that should be introduced so that it is clear.
“The formula takes into account the country’s financial position, its capacity, the minimum that can be considered and also the maximum,” he told reporters.
He said he had instructed both finance ministries to begin discussions on the proposed framework.
“I agree and have asked the Finance Ministry and Sarawak’s Finance Ministry to discuss introducing the formula,” he said.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg welcomed the move, describing it as a practical approach that balanced the interests of Sarawak and the Federation.
“I would like to thank the Federal Government for agreeing to determine a formula that will be a win-win between us and the Federation.
“If our country is doing well, then certainly the Federation will be doing well. If not, we also accept the reality that the country’s financial stability must be maintained,” he said.
Abang Johari also endorsed Anwar’s view that MA63 should be regarded as a national issue rather than one affecting only Sabah and Sarawak.
“We want to harmonise what is enshrined in the Constitution with the integrity of Malaysia as we continue our efforts to develop the country as a whole.
“I think this is quite a practical approach,” he said.
Anwar said the formula would also help ensure allocations to Sabah and Sarawak were understood within the broader constitutional framework of the Federation rather than as preferential treatment.
