Kota Kinabalu: Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (PKDM) Vice President Jumardie Lukman (pic) stressed that efforts to assert Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are intended to strengthen the Federation fairly and constitutionally, not to divide the nation.
“This struggle aligns with the original spirit of Malaysia’s formation, which emphasises unity, mutual respect and close cooperation among states within the federation,” he said in a statement, Thursday.
Jumardie expressed support for Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Youth Wing Acting Chief Azrul Ibrahim, who called for the affirmation of Sabah’s rights.
He said such efforts could strengthen relations between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia without causing tension, benefiting all Malaysians.
“This effort is not meant to create division, but to ensure that Sabah’s rights are recognised according to the Constitution and existing agreements,” he added.
He noted that the royal address by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong should guide discussions on the frequently debated MA63 issue, reminding all parties to uphold the original intention behind Malaysia’s formation — to build a just, united nation that respects diversity.
Jumardie said the reminder is timely, calling for wisdom in resolving MA63 matters while protecting the interests of Sabah’s people.
He said that asserting Sabah’s financial and administrative rights is based on legitimate constitutional provisions and the spirit of Malaysia’s formation, not new or excessive demands.
He highlighted issues such as special federal grants, revenue-sharing arrangements, and state administrative powers, stressing that they must be addressed fairly, especially given the development gap between Sabah and Peninsular states more than five decades after Malaysia’s formation.
“Development in Sabah and Sarawak should be seen as a strategic investment to strengthen the national economy, not as a financial burden,” he said.
“We are not asking for more than what is rightfully ours. We are fighting for the rights that formed the basis of Sabah’s participation in Malaysia, and these must be fulfilled for the well-being of the people,” Jumardie said.
