No deadline for outstanding MA63 settlement as issues involve complex legal, policy differences

The Sarawak government has stated that no specific timeline can be set for the resolution of outstanding matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) given the complexity of issues involving multiple stakeholders, as well as differing policy considerations and legal interpretations. Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said the matters require continuous engagement and careful deliberation at various levels of government. Responding to Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang during the question-and-answer session in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today, she said MA63 issues are being addressed through existing formal platforms, including the MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63). "While no fixed timeline can be provided at this stage, the Sarawak government remains firm and committed to ensuring that all outstanding matters under MA63 are resolved in stages," she said. Sharifah Hasidah added that Sarawak government continues to prioritise structured negotiations with the federal government to ensure that resolutions are achieved progressively and in an orderly manner. She said key issues under MA63 involve constitutional, legal and administrative dimensions that require careful coordination between State and federal authorities. Despite the absence of a fixed deadline, she stressed that Sarawak remains proactive in pushing forward discussions and ensuring that agreed decisions are followed through systematically.

(Source：Dayakdaily)