Malaysia Does Not Need a ‘New Deal’; MA63 Remains Alive and Binding – Armizan

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia does not need a new agreement or “new deal” to define the relationship between the Federal Government and Sabah and Sarawak, as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) remains in force and continues to be binding.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister (KPDN) and Papar Member of Parliament Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the terms contained in MA63 itself demonstrate that the agreement did not cease to have effect following the formation of Malaysia and the drafting of the Federal Constitution.

“The fact is that the express terms of the agreement clearly show that MA63 did not come to an end once the Federal Constitution was enacted. MA63 remains in force.

“The commitments and responsibilities outlined in the agreement remain relevant and binding — then, now and always,” he said in a statement issued in conjunction with Malaysia Day on Wednesday.

According to Armizan, this year’s Malaysia Day celebration holds special significance as the Federation of Malaysia, formed in 1963, marks its 63rd anniversary — or “63/63”.

He expressed hope that the celebration would foster broader understanding and acceptance among Malaysians of the full history behind the formation of the country.

“This year is not merely about the significance of the number 63/63. It is hoped that the values and meaning of Malaysia Day will be accompanied by a broader understanding and acceptance of every chapter and episode in the history of the formation of our beloved nation.

“Awareness of the country’s history of independence requires not only an understanding of the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1948, the social contract among the three main ethnic groups and Malaya’s independence in 1957, but also full recognition of the Federation of Malaysia’s own birth certificate — the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” he said.

Armizan, who is also secretary-general of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), said that as Malaysia marks the 63rd anniversary of its formation, Malaysians should also understand the significance of Article VIII of MA63.

Among other things, the article sets out the responsibility of the parties involved to take legislative, executive or other action to implement certain assurances, undertakings and recommendations contained in the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report.

According to him, the provision reaffirms the commitments and responsibilities of all parties that agreed to sign the agreement establishing the Federation of Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Armizan said Malaysia Day’s place in the country’s official calendar had also undergone a long journey, as Sept 16 had previously not received the same level of attention as Aug 31.

“For more than 40 years after Malaysia was formed, Sept 16 was never recognised as a significant national occasion. Each year, attention was focused solely on Aug 31 as National Day, also referred to as Independence Day.

“When, for the first time in the country’s history, a Federal Government administration formed after the 2008 general election failed to secure a two-thirds majority, the winds of change began to reshape the national political landscape,” he said.

He said the changing political landscape also led to greater awareness of the need to give more attention to the aspirations of Sabah and Sarawak as partners in the Federation.

Armizan said that although earlier calls and proposals from certain quarters had initially been set aside, the Federal Government eventually agreed to recognise Malaysia Day as an official national celebration beginning in 2010.

He expressed hope that a deeper appreciation of Malaysia Day and MA63 would continue to strengthen the country and ensure that Malaysia remains a prosperous and safe homeland for all its people.

Sinar Harian