PETALING JAYA: BN deputy chairman Mohamad Hasan said his call for the Sabah Barisan Nasional leadership to put forward a New Malaysia Agreement was merely a suggestion after the proposal was dismissed as “crazy”.
He said that in the end, it was up to the relevant stakeholders to find the best solution.
“I was merely giving my views. I believe the decision that will be made will be based on a win-win solution,” he told FMT.
Mohamad, better known as Tok Mat, had over the weekend suggested a New Malaysia Agreement to help Sabah better realise its rights and demands instead of the 1963 agreement (MA63) that led to the formation of Malaysia.
He proposed that Sabah BN leaders put forward the proposal for a New Malaysia Agreement, underpinned by a new spirit, context and aspirations, in restoring the rights and interests of the state and strengthening the Malaysian federation.
Sabahan leaders have been negotiating with federal officials on reinstating the state’s rights under MA63, which they said have been neglected.
Mohamad’s proposal was criticised by a Sarawak state minister, who said no political leader should change MA63 for political expediency.
Tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said MA63 was a “fundamental document which led to the formation of a nation”.
“Umno cannot dictate (how MA63 should be). That is just crazy,” he said in response to Mohamad’s proposal.
