Kota Kinabalu: Sepanggar Member of Parliament Datuk Mustapha Sakmud has expressed his commitment to restoring and upholding the dignity of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners in the Malaysian Federation, following his appointment as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Sabah and Sarawak Affairs.
Mustapha, in a statement posted on his Facebook page following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Cabinet reshuffle involving 11 portfolios on Tuesday, said the appointment carries responsibility and reflects the aspirations of the people in both states.
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“This responsibility will be carried out with determination to continue and strengthen efforts related to Sabah and Sarawak Affairs that have been initiated under the Malaysia Madani Government for the benefit of both regions,” he said.
The former Deputy Higher Education Minister pledged to work with the Prime Minister, Sarawak Premier and Sabah Chief Minister to strengthen policy coordination and implementation between the Federal Government and the two Borneo states.
Mustapha said his commitment aligns with the spirit, history and provisions of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which forms the foundation of the Federation.
“Continuous commitment will be given to restore and elevate the status of Sabah and Sarawak as partners in the Malaysian Federation, in line with the spirit, history and provisions of the MA63, which forms the basis of the Federation for the prosperity of the people in the sovereign nation of Malaysia,” he said.
He also thanked Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and the entire Ministry team for their leadership and close cooperation during his tenure at the Ministry of Higher Education.
Mustapha noted that various initiatives were implemented during his time there to develop the nation’s best talent, expand access to higher education and strengthen higher education institutions throughout the country.
For the record, his appointment comes at an important time as both Sabah and Sarawak continue to push for greater autonomy and the full implementation of MA63 provisions, which guaranteed the two states special rights when they joined the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
