Kuala lumpur: The remaining 16 claims under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are currently under negotiation, as reported in the Dewan Rakyat today. Of these claims, one has been categorized as partially or interimly resolved, while two others have reached a policy decision, according to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mustapha stated that eight additional claims are still being discussed, and five have been escalated for deliberation at the highest level. He emphasized that the MADANI government is committed to ensuring the implementation of MA63 is conducted prudently and inclusively, adhering to the spirit of the Federation of Malaysia. This was conveyed during the Ministers' Question Time session in response to an inquiry from Datuk Matbali Musah (GRS-Sipitang) regarding the direct benefits expected for Sabah and Sarawak from improvements to the MA63 structure.
Mustapha outlined that the timeline for resolving the remaining claims is contingent upon several key factors, including varying legal interpretations among parties and the lengthy legal processes involved. He also highlighted that 13 claims have been resolved so far. These resolutions include the recognition of various departments in Sabah and Sarawak as technical departments under Treasury Instruction 182 (AP182), amendments to the Inland Revenue Board Act 1995 to appoint state representatives from Sabah and Sarawak as permanent members of the IRB, and the delegation of regulatory authority over gas and electricity supply to Sabah.
Additional resolutions involve the administration of the judiciary in Sabah and Sarawak and amendments to the labour ordinances specific to these regions. Mustapha further asserted the MADANI government's dedication to safeguarding the rights of Sabah and Sarawak through significant structural reforms, such as the establishment of the MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63), chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, aimed at expediting the negotiation and settlement of claims.
He also mentioned that this commitment is reflected in substantial fiscal support, with development allocations of RM6.9 billion for Sabah and RM6 billion for Sarawak earmarked for 2026.