Kuala Lumpur: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has called for the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and restore the status of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners with the Peninsula Malaysia.
He said, this step was crucial to bolster ties between the Peninsula and East Malaysia.
“Indeed, in a big family like ours, we may have some contentions and disagreements. So, it is important for us to find common grounds to keep our ties strong,” Dr Mahathir said in his Malaysia Day speech today.
Dr Mahathir also recalled his experience witnessing the then prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj declaring the formation of Malaysia 57 years ago.
“I had mixed reactions that day. It was a proud moment for me, but at the same time, I was anxious as some of our neighbouring countries fiercely resisted the formation of Malaysia,” he said.
He also called on Malaysians to cherish the spirit of tolerance and accommodation of past leaders for the country to stay united and progress.
The implementation of MA63 agreement continues to remain as a source of contention between East Malaysia and Peninsula Malaysia.
In April 2019, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government’s attempt to amend Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution failed to secure a two-thirds majority at the Dewan Rakyat.
Nevertheless, on Aug 10, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib told the Parliament that the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government was in the final stage of setting up a special council to review the implementation of the MA63 agreement.
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