Kota Kinabalu: The Federal Government remains firmly committed to honouring the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as a key national agenda rather than treating it merely as a regional struggle, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud (pic).
In his Malaysia Day 2026 message, he highlighted that the recent MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had reaffirmed this joint commitment between Putrajaya, Sabah, and Sarawak.
Mustapha pointed out that significant progress has been reached, including an agreement in principle to increase parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak to ensure Borneo’s voice is adequately represented in national policy-making, alongside positive steps in the Borneonisation of federal civil service posts.
On financial entitlements, he noted that Sabah’s interim special grant under Articles 112C and 112D of the Federal Constitution has been raised to RM1.5 billion this year from RM600 million previously, with the remaining RM900 million being disbursed in 2026.
"However, it must be noted that the implementation of Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement does not end with this interim payment, as it will continue in line with constitutional provisions," he stressed.
Mustapha said the Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Division (BHESS) will also collaborate with the Parliamentary Backbenchers’ Club to launch the "Friends of BHESS" platform, aimed at broadening understanding of MA63 among MPs and Senators.
Turning to current political developments, the Minister expressed disappointment over attempts by certain quarters to push for an early dissolution of Parliament while the nation commemorates Malaysia Day.
"Democracy demands political maturity and wisdom, and while we may differ in opinions, freedom of speech does not grant a licence to insult religions or belittle the beliefs of any community as political jokes," he added.
