Kota Kinabalu: Discussions on the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) must continue in a spirit of openness, mutual respect and the search for common ground, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah, who is also the Chairman of the Technical Committee for the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63), said differences of opinion on certain matters are normal in the negotiation process.
“However, what is important is that we continue discussions to find common ground,” he said in a post on his Facebook page, Friday.
Earlier Friday, Fadillah attended the MTPMA63 meeting online from Putrajaya. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
Fadillah also said the MTPMA63 Technical Committee had convened twice this year, on March 2 and Aug 3, to examine various matters and legal issues related to the agreement.
He said any matters that had not been agreed at the technical level would be brought to the MTPMA63 meeting for joint consideration, while policy-related issues would be submitted to the Cabinet in accordance with the appropriate procedures.
Fadillah also expressed his appreciation to Anwar, the leadership of the Sabah and Sarawak state governments, and all parties for their continued commitment to implementing MA63.
“In conjunction with the 63rd Malaysia Day on Sept 16, this spirit of togetherness and consensus should continue to serve as the foundation for our efforts to strengthen relations between the Federal Government, Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
Meanwhile, PKR Wanita Chief Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek the MA63 should not be made an important agenda only during election season as the commitment to Sabah and Sarawak knows no season.
She said MA63 is not a new issue but has long been part of the party’s struggle and constitution.
“For us, respecting MA63 means respecting the voice and aspirations of the people of Sabah and Sarawak,” she said in a Facebook post.
Fadhlina, who is also Education Minister, said in the context of education, various issues that have been raised by both states have been successfully resolved together.
She said this includes issues such as teacher recruitment, dilapidated schools and development, as well as the allocation and greater involvement of the State Government in planning their educational needs.
“That’s why this commitment must be consistent. Sabah and Sarawak must always have a seat at the table, have their voices heard and be involved in determining what is best,” she said.
