KUCHING – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its structured commitment to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), alongside strengthening the Malaysia MADANI work culture and advancing nation-building efforts.
Speaking at the Mandate Ceremony with heads of federal departments and agencies in Sarawak, held at the Sultan Iskandar Building on Tuesday, YB Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak), highlighted three key thrusts: the implementation of MA63, embedding MADANI values in governance, and fostering unity across Malaysia.
He explained that MA63 has been pursued systematically since 2016, with further reinforcement under the current administration through the establishment of the MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63). To date, 29 matters have been deliberated, with 13 successfully resolved and the remainder progressing through various stages of action.
The minister also announced the launch of the MA63 Phase 1 Dashboard on 28 January 2026, enabling the public to track progress transparently via the official portal. This initiative, he said, ensures that authentic information is accessible to all citizens.
Mustapha credited Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim for consistently prioritising MA63 as a national agenda, underscoring the government’s commitment to fairness between regions and strengthening Sabah and Sarawak’s position within the federation.
On development, he noted that interim special allocations for Sabah and Sarawak had doubled from RM300 million annually in 2024 to RM600 million beginning in 2025, continuing into the 2026 Budget.
Development allocations also rose significantly, reaching RM12.9 billion in 2026, reflecting the government’s determination to accelerate infrastructure, education, healthcare, and community welfare.
Addressing the Malaysia MADANI work culture, Mustapha stressed that it must be translated into practical governance, focusing on efficiency, compassion, and accountability among civil servants.
He highlighted progress in the Borneonisation process of the civil service, with participation rates at 71.88 percent in Sabah and 87.50 percent in Sarawak, strengthening local representation and public confidence.
He cautioned that MA63 should be viewed as a foundation for unity rather than a source of division. “Unity will only be strong when rights are respected, responsibilities are shouldered together and justice is upheld regardless of race, region or background,” he said.
The minister outlined guiding principles for nation-building, including embracing diversity as strength, finding common ground, upholding justice, managing differences with maturity, and practising leadership with integrity.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Zainuddin Manaf, Director of the Accountant General’s Department of Malaysia, Sarawak; Abdul Halim Abang Naili, Director of the Malaysian Immigration Department, Sarawak; and Mohd Taufik Mohd Yusoff, Chairman of the Malaysian Industrial Court, Sarawak Branch. The event concluded with Ramadan contributions presented by Mustapha to guests.
