Special portfolio proof of federal govt's commitment on MA63 - Annuar Musa

The establishment of the Sabah and Sarawak Affairs portfolio by the federal government is a testament to its commitment in protecting the rights of Sabah and Sarawak as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

He said the federal government had accepted the outstanding issues in MA63 as voiced out by Sabah and Sarawak.

“This has been duly accepted by the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government led by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“This is the only government that has established the portfolio of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs led by a minister. This is a commitment of the federal government to approach the matter in accordance with the needs of the people in Sabah and Sarawak.

“The spirit of MA63 has been accepted by the federal government with the establishment of the portfolio,” he told Bernama after receiving UMNO membership forms from 700 former Labuan Parti Amanah Negara members here yesterday.

Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili is the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) and Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib is his deputy.

Annuar said the Cabinet had decided that the prime minister would chair a special council with members who can assist the federal government to look into all aspects Sabah and Sarawak rights in MA63.

“From there, policies will be drafted to place Sabah and Sarawak in a better position on the development map and new cooperation.

“That is why the Sarawak government has given undivided commitment to the federal government and opposed the opposition pact.

“Therefore, we hope Sabah will not be left behind from Sarawak’s stand. Politicking for self-interests, being defensive to be the chief minister, will only lead to a loss to the people,” he added.

At the Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16 in Sibu, Muhyiddin announced the formation of the special council on MA63, which will be chaired by him with the chief ministers of Sarawak and Sabah among its members.

Annuar said the formation of the council was decided at a Cabinet meeting on Sept 9.

He said the issues to be covered by the council include the position of Sabah and Sarawak as “rakan sekutu” (equal partners), state rights under Article 112 of the Federal Constitution, MA63 and the Inter-Governmental Committee report, security and education.

He said the council would be assisted by existing committees which had been set up at the federal ministry and agency levels.

“The PN government is always committed to ensuring the rights of Sabah and Sarawak as enshrined in MA63 are protected,” he added.

-- BERNAMA