Kota Kinabalu: Gagasan Rakyat Youth has backed the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s call for wisdom, openness and unity in addressing issues related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), stressing that such matters must be handled responsibly and without divisive rhetoric.
Gagasan Rakyat Youth Acting Chief Azrul Ibrahim said the King’s reminder was timely, particularly amid ongoing public discourse on MA63, which requires careful consideration and collective responsibility in safeguarding national harmony.
He said His Majesty’s emphasis on returning to the original spirit of Malaysia’s formation founded on unity, mutual respect and cooperation between Sabah, Sarawak, Peninsula Malaysia and the Federal Government should guide all parties involved in the discussion.
“Malaysia was not built on differences that divide, but on the spirit of partnership, trust and shared responsibility,” he said in a statement.
As Sabah youths, he emphasised that the pursuit of Sabah’s rights under MA63 should not be misconstrued as an attempt to create division, but rather as an effort to strengthen the Federation.
He highlighted continued efforts to uphold Sabah’s entitlements, particularly the 40 per cent Special Grant, through sustained engagement by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led state government in cooperation with the Federal Government.
“A fact-based and constitutionally grounded approach through negotiations has already produced tangible progress, with several MA63-related matters resolved, while other outstanding issues continue to be addressed in stages through consensus.
“This shows that firmness does not require provocation, and courage does not demand hostility,” Azrul said.
He also echoed the King’s call for balance in safeguarding state rights while preserving national interests, noting that fair and dignified development for Sabah would ultimately strengthen unity, stability and national progress.
Azrul further urged young people to reject divisive politics and instead embrace solution-oriented leadership grounded in wisdom, integrity and responsibility.
“As emphasised by His Majesty, every political decision made today is not merely about political positioning, but will shape the future of the nation,” he said.
