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PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Agreement of 1963 (MA63) must be recognized so that Sabah and Sarawak can be considered equal partners with Peninsular Malaysia, says Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad.
The former prime minister said that discontent over differences by some could be resolved if MA63 is recognized.
“I still remember the proclamation of Malaysia by Tunku Abdul Rahman at the Merdeka Stadium on the morning of September 16, 1963.
“I was 38 then,” Dr. Mahathir said in a Facebook post yesterday, in conjunction with Malaysia Day.
Dr Mahathir, 95, was prime minister for 22 years from 1981 to 2003 and for the second time from 2018 to 2020.
Dr M added that while he was proud that Malaya was joining North Borneo (now Sabah) as well as Sarawak and Singapore to form “one great Malaysia”, he was also nervous at the time.
“I was nervous because the proclamation received strong opposition from neighboring countries. Thank God, today is the 57th anniversary of Malaysia’s existence, ”he said.
Dr. Mahathir added that Malaysia had endured a lot and gone far.
“Singapore is gone, but the strength of the relationship between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak has strengthened.
“In any large family, there will be dissatisfaction. This must be taken into account and it is necessary to find a meeting point so that our relationship does not break down.
“That is why we ask for full support for MA63 and accept Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners.
“Happy Malaysian day,” said Dr. Mahathir.
Sabah and Sarawak leaders, including parliamentarians, have called for the MA63 to be recognized by amending Article 1 (2) of the Federal Constitution to restore the status of the two states as associate members of Peninsular Malaysia, in accordance with the MA63.
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