TAWAU: Parti Warisan President Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal has fulfilled 17 out of 21 demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) during his tenure as Chief Minister, according to Deputy Information Chief Justin Wong.
He said only a people-oriented and visionary leader would have made such efforts for the rights of Sabah.
“All this is recorded in official minutes and are undeniable facts,” he said.
“This election is an opportunity for voters to start anew. If the previous government failed to deliver on these demands, then let Warisan carry them out,” he said.
He claimed that during Shafie’s leadership, he accelerated the granting of native land titles to eligible residents at a faster and more efficient rate compared to the Barisan Nasional government.
“Although nine MA63 demands have already been implemented, key demands such as rights over taxation and finance remain a priority.
“Once Sabah can develop and manage its own revenue, the State Government will be better positioned to address poverty, unemployment and improve infrastructure.
“Just imagine Sabah’s potential, rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, and gold. If Sabah could fully control these resources, the state would enjoy true autonomy, like Sarawak,” he added.
Justin welcomed the Prime Minister’s recent announcement of the 2026 Budget which included an increased special allocation for Sabah of RM600 million.
However, he said the full implementation of the nine key MA63 demands remains the most important and desired outcome for the people to ensure fair autonomous development for the state.
A Parliamentary report in February this year stated that several matters under MA63 had already been fully resolved, including: The return of administrative authority over Sipadan and Ligitan Islands to the Sabah government:Restoration of deep-sea fishing rights and licensing to the Sabah and Sarawak governments: Amendments to Article 1(2) and 160(2) of the Federal Constitution and recognition of the Public Works Department (JKR) and Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) of Sabah and Sarawak as technical departments under Treasury Instruction AP182.
Additionally, the Income Tax Act 1995 was amended to allow representatives from Sabah and Sarawak to be appointed to the Board of Directors of the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
Other matters that have been fully resolved include the return of jurisdiction over natural gas, electricity, the judicial institution, and guidelines for the return of native land to Sabah and Sarawak.
Partially resolved issues include special allocations for Sabah and Sarawak under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, as well as matters concerning environmental and labour jurisdiction, and a proposed amendment to appoint Judicial Commissioners, which is still under agreement in principle.
Meanwhile, issues still under negotiation include petroleum taxation, the Territorial Sea Act 2012, ownership rights of offshore oil platforms, and increasing the number of civil servants from Sabah and Sarawak under Article 112 of the Federal Constitution.