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PETALING JAYA: The formation of the Special Council on the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63) on September 9 reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to honor the rights of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said.
“The Perikatan Nasional government is committed to guaranteeing the rights of Sabah and Sarawak enshrined in the MA63.
“When the Perikatan Cabinet was formed, I created a special folder on Sabah and Sarawak affairs in the Prime Minister’s department under Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Maximus Ongkili,” he said in a speech at the Sibu Indoor Stadium in Sarawak along with Malaysia Day.
On September 9, the Cabinet agreed to form the special council, of which Muhyiddin is president.
“The council members will include the chief ministers of Sabah and Sarawak, the federal ministers and other experts in the field.
“Among the issues that will be discussed in this council are the associations of associates, as well as the rights of both states under article 112 of the Federal Constitution, MA63 and a report from an intergovernmental committee.
Stand Together: The Royal Malaysian Navy raises the Jalur Gemilang at the Sibu Indoor Stadium in conjunction with the celebration of Malaysia Day. – Bernama
“Other issues that will be discussed are state security and education,” Muhyiddin said in his speech.
“Difficult problems can be solved in a good way when the federal and state governments are on the same path and with one heart.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, who had discussions with Petronas on oil and gas issues, as well as the Sarawak oil products sales tax,” he said. Muhyiddin.
He further said that the rakyat is the ultimate winner when there is a strong relationship between the federal and state governments.
“God willing, we will hold talks with the Sabah state government after the Sabah state elections,” Muhyiddin said.
Sabahans will go to the polls on September 26.
The Prime Minister also stressed that the sovereignty of both states will be defended.
“I insist that Sabah and Sarawak will continue to be in Malaysia.
“The Federal Government will not give in to any pressure from anyone who questions the sovereignty of our country,” Muhyiddin said, noting that the National Security Council and enforcement agencies will strengthen border security.
“This includes Ops Benteng and increased law enforcement in the areas of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom),” Muhyiddin said.
In his speech, he also listed the various initiatives for Sabah and Sarawak under the National Digital Plan (Jendela) in the 12th Malaysia Plan.
“This initiative is to ensure that no citizen is left behind. At the moment, most areas of Sabah and Sarawak do not have high-speed Internet access.
“Under Jendela, there will be many more improvements to the digital infrastructure in Sabah and Sarawak,” he added.
Jendela’s first phase will be to expand the 4G mobile broadband network from 91.6% to 96.9% in populated areas; to enable 7.5 million locations to access gigabit-speed fixed broadband access.
Muhyiddin said that the next phase will be the upgrade to 5G, the construction of more communication towers and the upgrade of current communication transmission devices.
The government, he added, was also doing everything it could to offer incentives to boost the economy ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also said that the new rules should not be an obstacle to improving the economy.
Emphasizing the importance of Malaysia Day, Muhyiddin said that it is important for all Malaysians to come together as one.
“Today is also important for Sarawak. This land of hornbills hosts Malaysia Day for the second time in a row.
“The celebration in Sibu, where people of diverse ethnicities, religions and origins attend, reflects the harmony and peace of our country,” Muhyiddin said.
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