KOTA SAMARAHAN – Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has emphasised that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is not merely a historical record but the most important social contract safeguarding harmony and stability within the Malaysian Federation.
Delivering a Statesman Lecture titled “Malaysia Agreement 1963: The Key to Federal Harmony” at Gemilang Arena, DeTAR PUTRA, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) on Friday, the Governor underlined the continuing relevance of MA63 in shaping federal-state relations and administrative structures.
He explained that the agreement outlines the rights and responsibilities of each federation partner, including the recognition of Sarawak and Sabah’s special position in areas such as immigration, finance, education, language, religion, land, natural resources and state revenue.
Dr Wan Junaidi stressed that a deeper public understanding of the agreement is vital to uphold principles of justice and harmony.
He also cautioned that in the era of social media, MA63 issues are often debated without sufficient factual grounding.
He urged that discussions be based on fact-driven education, civilised dialogue and scholarly research to ensure a balanced and authoritative grasp of the agreement.
Meanwhile, UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit expressed gratitude to the Governor for presenting the lecture.
He said the programme not only enhances understanding of national history and unity but also aligns with the university’s aspiration to produce graduates who are informed, visionary and patriotic.
Prof Ahmad Hata added that such lectures serve as a vital platform to instil civic awareness and strengthen loyalty to the country, providing inspiration for both the academic community and the wider Sarawak society in understanding Malaysia’s historical foundation.