KOTA KINABALU: The settlement of claims under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) requires careful consideration of the Federal Constitution and must be supported by a two-thirds majority in Parliament, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He acknowledged that several MA63-related claims from Sabah remain unresolved but emphasised that the Madani Government had made more progress than the previous administration in addressing related issues.
“If you ask about the Sabah claims that have yet to be met, I agree. But consider this, who is supporting them? Which government? The former Chief Minister, the former Prime Minister—who has had more discussions? How many claims have been settled?
“However, there are constitutional issues that require debate. Can we secure a two-thirds majority in Parliament? All these factors have to be considered. It is not just about Sabah demanding something...I hear their concerns, but I also have to consider the Constitution. Can we achieve the necessary support to push this through?” he said at a breakfast and “Sembang Santai” programme with Sabah media practitioners here today.
Also present were Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president Mariah Doksil, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, Broadcasting Department director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, Daily Express Editor-in-Chief Datuk James Sarda, Utusan Borneo Sabah Editor-in-Chief Datuk Lichong Angkui, The Borneo Post Editor-in-Chief Datuk Chiu Nai Wen, and See Hua Daily News Editor-in-Chief Toh Chee Kong.
Previously, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is the chairman of the Technical Committee of the Malaysia Agreement Implementation Action Council 1963 (JKTMTPM63), was reported to have said that the Madani Government had resolved nine MA63 demands, while the other four had been resolved by the previous government.
