Sabah, Sarawak’s MA63 claims fair and constitutional, not unreasonable, says SUPP Youth chief

SIBU (Jan 4): Sabah and Sarawak have always pursued their rights fairly, as enshrined in the Constitution, Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) report and state laws, said Councillor Kevin Lau.

The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Central Youth chairman stressed that this sentiment is deeply rooted among the people of Sabah and Sarawak and has never been unreasonable.

“While former Federal Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim may try to blame MA63 as a relic of British colonialism, he cannot deny that he did nothing to treat Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners in the formation of Malaysia,” Lau said in a statement.

Zaid had recently posted on social media, sarcastically congratulating Sabah and Sarawak for having 13 of their 29 MA63 demands agreed upon by Putrajaya, and questioned whether a prime minister from East Malaysia would be accepted in Malaya.

“I read with deep disappointment such provocative statements. They only risk creating further distrust among Malaysians, especially in the East,” Lau said.

He added that Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has always emphasised that a stronger Sarawak strengthens Malaysia, and Sarawak must continue to develop economically while maintaining harmony and unity to safeguard its rights for future generations.