Malaysia Day: No 'new deal' needed to uphold MA63, says Armizan

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia does not need a new agreement, or 'new deal', to uphold the commitments and responsibilities arising from its formation.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) remained relevant and binding, and did not cease to exist with the enactment of the Federal Constitution.

The Papar MP said this was among the matters that needed to be better understood and accepted on Malaysia Day, particularly the history of Malaysia's formation and the position of Sabah and Sarawak as partners in the Federation.

"The terms of the agreement make it clear that MA63 did not come to an end upon the enactment of the Federal Constitution. MA63 continues to live on, while the commitments and responsibilities set out in it remain relevant and binding then, now and forever," he said in a Facebook post.

Armizan said this was also reinforced by Article VIII of MA63, which provides that the governments of the Federation of Malaya, North Borneo and Sarawak would take legislative, executive or other action necessary to implement the assurances, undertakings and recommendations contained in the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report.

He said understanding the history of Malaysia's formation should not be limited to the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1948, the social contract and the independence of Malaya in 1957.

He said Malaysia Day only began to be officially observed in 2010, after Sept 16 was incorporated into the national calendar, although Malaysia was formed in 1963.

"As we mark the 63rd anniversary today, let us together understand the value and meaning of Malaysia Day by recognising the terms of the agreement signed by our leaders of the past," he said.

He said an understanding of this history was important to ensure that Malaysia remained united, progressive, prosperous and safe for all its people.