PENAMPANG: Former Federal Minister and Deputy Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau hopes his book “Curse of MA63: Developing Malaysia, Sabah’s Perspective” will open minds and spark healthy discussion on the topic.
In it, he rebuked the careless attitude of some leaders on the implementation of promises in the Malaysia Agreement 1963, which distanced the people’s trust over the national leadership institution.
He reiterated that Sabah is not demanding more than what was agreed but what had been promised under MA63.
He said the book is not aimed at blaming anyone but to remind the people that the country will only be strong when promises are kept, rights are respected and history is appreciated.
He hoped that the book would contribute to producing a fair, prosperous and balanced Malaysia.
The book was written in parts and the result of his 25 years participation and observation in politics. Part of it comes from his parliamentary experience as an MP.
“This book is my reflections and experiences but also from a sense of responsibility to correct the historical narrative that has long been neglected,” he said during the launch by Momogun National Congress (MNC) President Tan Sri Wences Angang at Buhavan Square, Thursday.
“Many promises in MA63 have not been fulfilled and many years have passed, the MA63 became a curse.
“The MA63 is not just a document, but a foundation on the formation of Federation of Malaysia which should guarantee justice and balance between Sabah, Sarawak and the peninsula.
“Unfortunately, after several decades, the promises in it have yet to be fully implemented,” he added.
“Everyone can no longer rely on half-hearted interpretations or listen to chosen narratives,” he said, adding many are aware that many important facts regarding the formation of Malaysia were not included in history books.
As a result, many people, especially the younger generation, do not know the actual content, implications and legal matters that were contained in the Agreement.
“Only those who take the initiative to carry out their own research understand why the MA63 came about and true spirit behind it. But sadly, many of our friends in the peninsula are ignorant about the MA63.
“This is because the MA63 was never taught in depth in the national education system. Therefore, there is a gap in understanding between the people of Sabah, Sarawak and the peninsula about the history on the formation of our country,” he said.
