Anwar: Time to make MA63 part of the national conversation, not just Sabah-Sarawak issue

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim chairs the MA63 Implementation Action Council meeting at the Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu on September 11, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 11 Sep 2026 1:54 PM MYT

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to become part of the national narrative rather than being viewed solely as an issue concerning Sabah and Sarawak.

He said the approach was important to ensure Malaysians understood that the government’s commitment to MA63 formed part of the Madani Government’s national policy and was closely linked to the country’s development, stability and unity.

Anwar said this must be understood and embraced by people in peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak as part of a national policy, commitment and narrative aimed at strengthening the country.

“I have proposed that discussions on MA63 be made part of the national narrative. It is very important because otherwise, it becomes a sectoral issue.

“Every year, we have to hold separate discussions on Sabah and Sarawak. No. This is a national commitment about development, stability, and what we promised when Malaysia was formed.

“This must be firmly established as a national narrative. We need to encourage Malaysians not to speak only about their race, party or group, but to engage in a broader discourse that strengthens the nation,” he told a press conference after chairing the 2026 Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council meeting at the Sabah International Convention Centre here today.

Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Prime Minister said people in peninsular Malaysia should also not view additional allocations or measures implemented under MA63 as merely special considerations for Sabah and Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari backed the proposal to place MA63 within a national framework, saying it would align provisions enshrined in the Federal Constitution with efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s unity.

“We want to align what is enshrined in the Constitution with the unity of Malaysia as a united nation, a united Malaysia, as we continue our efforts to develop the country,” he said.

He said the approach was more practical in balancing the interests of the Federal Government, Sabah and Sarawak, including in matters of finance and national development. — Bernama