PETRA JAYA – The first Meeting of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) for 2025 was held today at the Satria Pertiwi Complex, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The high-level meeting was also attended by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Noor.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Madani Government’s commitment to ensuring that the rights and claims under MA63 are resolved promptly, prioritising the well-being of the people in Sabah, Sarawak and across the country.
According to the terms of reference, the MTPMA63 must convene at least once annually. So far, 13 MA63 claims have been successfully resolved, with nine completed under the administration of the Madani Government.
Among the completed matters are the recognition of the Sabah and Sarawak Public Works Departments (JKR) and Irrigation and Drainage Departments (JPS) as technical agencies, amendments to the Inland Revenue Board Act to appoint Sabah and Sarawak representatives, the transfer of gas and electricity regulatory powers in Sabah, judicial administration matters, and the conversion of Bintulu Port from a federal to a state port.
Today’s meeting also deliberated on four key issues: the status of MA63 implementation, increasing parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak, constitutional amendments on the appointment of Judicial Commissioners, and environmental powers.
The Federal Government agreed in principle to recognise the Sabah and Sarawak Water Supply Departments as technical authorities for projects worth under RM50 million. The Cabinet will also prepare a paper to allow the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah and Sarawak to certify Judicial Commissioner appointments.
On environmental matters, the meeting agreed that the Environmental Quality Act 1974 will be suspended in Sabah and Sarawak under Article 95C of the Federal Constitution, with the proposal expected to be tabled in Parliament this December.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also chair of the MTPMA63 Technical Committee, said other pending demands would continue to be monitored at ministerial and agency levels.
“The progress made today reflects the spirit of cooperation between the Federal Government and the states of Sabah and Sarawak. This consensus is vital to uphold justice and shared prosperity,” he said.
The meeting ended on a harmonious note, with leaders from all sides reaffirming their dedication to restoring the original spirit of MA63 for a stronger, fairer Malaysia.