Anwar: MA63 is a national promise, must not be seen as only affecting Sabah and Sarawak

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks at the national-level Malaysia Day 2026 celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 9:35 AM MYT

KUCHING, Sept 17 — The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is a national pledge or pact that must be respected and implemented, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said that MA63 is a solemn promise made by the previous leaders of Malaysia.

“We have made a promise. Our forefathers (leaders) decided to strengthen this bond (Malaysia). Therefore, we must take seriously the examination and review of all the decisions we made in the past.

“And I need to state that this issue (MA63) is unlikely to be resolved as long as some of our friends in the Peninsula believe that MA63 is only a matter for Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.

The Prime Minister said this while speaking at the national-level 2026 Malaysia Day Celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.

The guest of honour at the celebration was the Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

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

Commenting on MA63, Anwar said that nine issues related to the agreement have been resolved under the Madani Government.

He noted that among the matters resolved was the decision to recognise both Sabah and Sarawak’s Public Works Department (JKR) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) as technical departments, as well as the appointment of permanent representatives from both states to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).

The Prime Minister also said that the Madani Government had also successfully handed over electricity regulatory powers to Sabah and transferred Bintulu Port to Sarawak.

“Resolving these matters requires good cooperation between the state governments and the federal government. If Sarawak prospers, it brings prosperity to Malaysia as well.

“So, when Bintulu Port belongs to Sarawak, it remains a vital port for Malaysia; I view it from that perspective — this is a pledge for Malaysia. It represents shared interests and shared wealth,” he added. — Bernama