KENINGAU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan said Sabah now holds strong hope that the Federal Government will fully implement the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), as promised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the Prime Minister’s commitment to fulfilling MA63 marks a new chapter and has given renewed hope to the people of Sabah.
“This time, we have high hopes because the current Prime Minister has given his assurance that the Malaysia Agreement will be implemented,” he said after the 62nd Malaysia Day celebration held at the Keningau Oath Stone on Wednesday.
Jeffrey reiterated that Sabah is not asking for anything excessive but is merely demanding that its constitutional rights under MA63 be fully restored — including its claim to 40% of the State’s net revenue.
He said the State Government has repeatedly requested financial data from the Federal Government to support its claim but is still awaiting a satisfactory response.
According to him, discussions have progressed to the MA63 Technical Committee stage and a resolution is expected soon.
Jeffrey also acknowledged the interim payments made by the Federal Government, but stressed that they do not replace the constitutional rights guaranteed to Sabah.
“The hope of the people of Sabah is to see that promise fully implemented. This is not a political issue — it is a matter of justice and respect for the agreement that was mutually agreed upon during the formation of Malaysia,” he said.
Jeffrey added that proper implementation of MA63 would strengthen Sabah’s relationship with the Federal Government and further reinforce national unity.