Lack of understanding and acceptance of MA63 among the MPs a great challenge to Sarawak, Sabah

KUCHING: Lack of understanding and acceptance of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) among members of parliament (MPs) is a great challenge to Sarawak and Sabah to secure their support, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof has said.

Fadillah Yusof: Level of understanding and acceptance among the MPs varied

He said efforts to provide continuous information on MA63 to the MPs have been identified as a key strategy to ensure sufficient support when a matter is brought up for a vote in the Dewan Rakyat.

He said the level of understanding and acceptance among the MPs varied even though the explanation had been given comprehensively.

"From there, we can categorize them where some want to understand, understand and want to be with us but there are also those who understand but do not want to be with us," he said.

He made the remarks when asked by reporters after the 'Fireside Chat' Session at the Oxbridge Sarawak Reception and Dinner last night.

He added that this early support is important to formulate a more structured political strategy for Sarawak and Sabah.

He explained that this mainly determines whether a motion or amendment related to MA63 has the potential to gain a full majority or otherwise.

"When something needs to be brought up for a vote, we already know the amount of support.

"From there, we can formulate a strategy in advance whether we will obtain a two-thirds majority (of votes) or not," he said.

MA63 needs to be studied and as a subject under the national education system, says DPM Fadillah

KUCHING: The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) needs to be included and as a subject under the national education syllabus to increase the people's understanding of the history of the establishment of Malaysia and the spirit of nation-building.

Fadillah Yusof: Malaysia (based on) MA63 and the Intergovernmental Committee Report (IGC Report) but all of this is not included in the current syllabus, causing not many people to understand. 

Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said the lack of emphasis on the history of the establishment of Malaysia in the existing education system has caused many to not understand the foundations of the formation of the country, including the role of MA63 and the Intergovernmental Committee Report (IGC Report).

"This history of the establishment of Malaysia, which many people actually do not understand.

"Because even in our education process, there is not much emphasis on the history of the establishment of Malaysia because it is more about the history of the establishment of Malaya.

"Malaysia (based on) MA63 and the Intergovernmental Committee Report (IGC Report) but all of this is not included in the current syllabus, causing not many people to understand," he said.

He said this when met by reporters after the 'Fireside Chat' Session at the Oxbridge Sarawak Reception and Dinner last night.

Fadillah added that he also shared with Oxford and Cambridge University (Oxbridge) alumni how important it is now to revive the Malaysian spirit centered on MA63, especially understanding the content of the agreement.

He, who is also the Member of Parliament for Petra Jaya, explained that the things that have been agreed upon should have been done but had not been done until the invasion or the Federal Government interfered in the matter of the claim.

"So we have to correct these things and these are the things that need to be discussed.

"It does not mean that Sabah or Sarawak want to claim but our claims are based on what is contained in MA63 and the IGC Report," he said.

Therefore, he said, the Action Council for the Implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MTPMA63) is chaired by the Prime Minister, he and the ministers involved are trying to refine this matter so that these rights can be re-established or returned.

He added that the claims that cannot be fully returned will be harmonized so that the spirit can maintain unity and harmony in the country. - UKAS EDITION

 

Outgoing US Ambassador says more US companies showing interest to collaborate with Sarawak in renewable energy, hydrogen economy

KUCHING, Jan 26 2026: The outgoing Unoted States Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan says that the more American companies are showing interest to  collaborate with Sarawak, especially in renewable energy and hydrogen economy in terms of  technological support and expertise.

Caption: Outgoing US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard Kagan (2nd left) with Premier Abang Johari Openg (2nd right( posing for the camera at Satria Pertiwi Complex - Photo by Ukas
 

He said that American companies have the skills and technology that can potentially contribute to Sarawak's vision, but investment decisions depend entirely on the respective companies without government interference.

"But ultimately, the key is for Sarawak to continue to do what it has done so well, which is to create an environment that attracts investment.

"This shows that Sarawak is the right place for companies to establish themselves in the long term, and to continue to be bold and visionary in what they want to achieve using their own policies," he explained after paying farewell call on Premier Abang Johari Openg at Satria Pertiwi Complex here today.

He said more US companies are showing interest in investing and collaborating in Sarawak with major investment announcements to come in the future.

On his farewell call to the  premier, he said his presence at the complex was to meet personally with the premier before ending his diplomatic service on February 15.

He said it is clear that has a special place in Sarawak since his first visit in 2014 where he had always received a warm welcome from the Sarawak Government.

"Therefore, I would like to come personally to thank the premier not only for his kindness and cooperation towards me personally, but also towards the United States.

"I also expressed how much I appreciate the story of Sarawak's development and how far Sarawak has changed in the 11 and a half years since I first set foot here," he said.

Also present were the Director of the Sarawak Regional Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Fenny Nuli, and Embassy Spokesperson James Dewey.