Conclusion of MA63 soon – Rahman
The people of Sabah may see the conclusion to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) soon, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
KOTA KINABALU: The people of Sabah may see the conclusion to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) soon.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Rahman Dahlan said that it was no longer a question of ‘if' the matter will be concluded but rather ‘when'.
“I can see it can be concluded fast,” he said, adding that he was part of the technical committee.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Anifah Aman was also a member.
The technical committee for the delineation of power from the Federal Government to Sabah and Sarawak has members from both States, he said.
Abdul Rahman added that discussions and meetings have been held many times and they were in the process of addressing technical issues and stop any future confusions.
“It is a process. It includes the relevant agencies, the Finance Ministry, for example,” he said.
The issues discussed ranged from the continental shelf, maritime boundary, forestry, land and oil and gas, he said.
“It is a moving process … we fight for everything we can. We represent the people of Sabah. We inform the Federal Government that this is the voice of the people of Sabah. We know that this is the issue that is close to the heart of the people of Sabah. As the chairman of BN in Sabah, the chief minister wants commitment in the MA63,” he said.
Abdul Rahman added that this was also in line with the commitment of the Prime Minister in the National BN manifesto.
“It is a big issue for Sabah and not an issue to be brushed aside. It is close to the hearts of Sabah and both states and the Federal Government must address.
“Now the movement is stronger and we are more systematic. It isn't a matter of it but when. When can we conclude this? I can see it concluded very fast.”