MA63: Ongkili says 15 issues outstanding including health, labour authority

KOTA SAMARAHAN – 15 issues being monitored by the special council on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) have still not been resolved, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili.

According to him, the issues include the state’s authority over health issues, the remaining legislative authority on the environment, labour force in Sabah and Sarawak and the release of land given ownership rights to the federation in Sabah and Sarawak.

“Most are already passed to the committee. There are ongoing matters still under discussion. For example, the issue of grants under Act 112 (1) of the federal constitution (increase of posts) with Sarawak.

“Discussions have started but there has been no decision yet on how much there is to be reviewed regarding the refund (for oil royalties and petroleum cash refunds). Besides, the additional Sabah and Sarawak parliamentary seats are also still under discussion,” he said.

Speaking at a media conference after attending a forum on MA63 at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak here today, he said among other issues that have not been fully resolved is the review of special grants (Article 112D of the federal constitution) for Sarawak, as well as gas and electricity regulatory authority of Sabah.

Meanwhile, when asked whether the ratio for the distribution of 35% of the parliamentary seats in Sabah and Sarawak should be maintained without following the state’s population, Maximus said it was up to the Election Commission (EC) as it was still in the discussion stage.

He said the more important thing is that the goal for the two states to regain the percentage of seats as stated in the Malaysia Agreement is achieved.

“The main objective is to return the 30 to 35% rights. The ratio used by the EC focuses on population and urbanisation, however, the important thing is that aspirations and terms such as the agreement are returned,” he said.

In the meantime, Ongkili hopes that more programmes explaining the formation of Malaysia and the goals of MA63 can be held at higher education institutes, whether in the peninsula or Sabah and Sarawak. – Bernama, September 19, 2022