MA63 disputes can be resolved amicably without court intervention, says Fadillah

DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has expressed confidence that outstanding legal interpretations surrounding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) can be resolved amicably through negotiations between the Federal Government and the Bornean states—without the need to seek judicial intervention.

Speaking at an executive dialogue during the Jiwa Komuniti MADANI and Media Programme in Kampung Segedup, Kuching, Fadillah said the Sarawak state government has also assured that it has no intention of taking the matter to court.

“In principle, Sarawak will not bring this issue to the courts. We have two options: if we are unable to resolve matters at the highest leadership level, the last resort would be to seek legal interpretation through the courts, not for dispute, but purely for clarification.

“However, we aim to avoid court proceedings altogether and have agreed to find a solution through constructive negotiations between the Federal and state governments,” he said.

Fadillah, who also chairs the Technical Committee under the MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63), said he is optimistic that a resolution can be reached, thanks to the strong cooperation between the MADANI Government and the state administrations.

He revealed that five MA63 demands, categorised as critical, remain unresolved at the top level of Federal and state leadership. These include the call for Sabah and Sarawak to hold a 35 per cent quota of parliamentary seats, the issue of oil royalties, and the formula for increased development allocations as provided for under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.

“These matters require further discussion, but there is a shared commitment to finalising the legal interpretations in a way that aligns with the Constitution,” he added.

The Jiwa Komuniti MADANI and Media Programme, held at the Dewan Haji Kamaruddin bin Ahmad, aimed to enhance personal motivation and encourage greater involvement from MADANI Community members and media partners in strengthening communication networks.

The event saw participation from MADANI Community groups in the Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency, including those from the Tupong, Samariang, and Satok state constituencies.

Also present were Sarawak Information Department Director Helmy Hamid, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunications (responsible for Sarawak Energy Berhad and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd) Datuk Ibrahim Baki, and Tupong assemblyman Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman. - April 13, 2025