(UPDATED) MA63 dashboard launched, public can access authentic MA63 information from today

KUALA LUMPUR,Jan 28 2026: Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof this afternoon launched Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) dashboard at Parliament and among those present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Mustapha Sukmud and Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi. 

Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi pointing to the photograph of his grandfather Temenggong Jugah anak Barien on display at the launch of MA63 dashboard. Jugah was one of the founding fathers of the Federation of Malaysia as well as one of the signatories of the Malaysia Agreement 1963. - Picture Facebook/Alexander Nanta Linggi

According to Nanta on his Facebook’s post, the initiative is very important in strengthening the monitoring of the implementation of MA63 in a more structured, transparent and integrated manner, thus increasing coordination between the Federal Government and the State Governments of Sabah and Sarawak.

“Hopefully this dashboard platform can help accelerate the implementation of decisions and provide benefits to all stakeholders, in line with the aspirations of the federal government,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Mustapha, on his Facebook’s post, said the launch of this dashboard is an important step towards strengthening transparency, integrated monitoring and access to clearer and more open information to the people regarding the progress of the implementation of MA63.

"Through this initiative, the people, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, can now follow the status of the implementation of matters under MA63 more accurately and based on real data.

"This dashboard also serves as a public reference platform that allows the people to obtain authentic information and current developments regarding the implementation of MA63, thus avoiding confusion and misunderstanding.

"MA63 is an important foundation for the formation of the Federation of Malaysia and should continue to be preserved as a national agenda that reflects the principles of justice and equality between regions.

"God willing, this struggle will continue so that regional justice can truly be translated into tangible implementation and provide direct benefits to the people," he added.

Starting today, Jan 28, Malaysians can access authentic information related to the 29 main matters related to MA63.

 

Premier: Sarawak's future economy will not succeed without the participation of women

KUCHING, Jan 28 2926: Premier Abang Johari Openg has expressed his belief that Sarawak’s future economy will not succeed without the participation of women.

Premier Abang Johari Openg: We need female engineers, female scientists, female data scientists, female technology entrepreneurs and female leaders in each of the new sectors. 

He said Sarawak is now moving towards a new economy — green energy, hydrogen, digital economy, aerospace, creative industries and high technology.

“This is the future of our state,” he said at the opening of the Borneo Zone of the International Women’s Day here today.

“We need female engineers, female scientists, female data scientists, female technology entrepreneurs and female leaders in each of the new sectors.

“That is why the Sarawak government places great emphasis on human capital development, including the free higher education initiative in state-owned institutions, so that Sarawakian children, including our daughters have access to education without financial barriers,” the premier said.

Abang Johari stressed that education is the key to social mobility, adding that when a woman is educated, her entire family will be uplifted and the next generation will be more successful.

The premier said that the state government also places emphasis on protecting the welfare and safety of women, especially the vulnerable groups.

“Based on the 2024 People's Happiness Index, women in Sarawak recorded a happier score than men, at 7.54 compared to 7.52 for men.

“Women who are physically, mentally and emotionally healthy will form stronger family institutions and more resilient societies.

“This effort requires integrated cooperation between the federal and state governments, implementing agencies and civil society, in line with the spirit of 'Segulai Sejalai'.

“In the digital era, the use of technology also plays an important role in strengthening social support systems, including access to information, assistance services, education and mental health support for women,”he said.

He said the importance of increasing women's involvement in leadership and policy-making is also a focus of the state government.

He said a report by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) stated that in December 2025, women holding decision-making and top management positions in public agencies amounted to 39.3 percent while in 2024, the board of directors of 100 Public Listed Companies (PLCs) was 33 percent.

“However, the development of women's leadership capacity needs to be continued systematically so that more women can contribute at the strategic level,” he said.

He also said that women's mastery of technology, data and digital innovation skills also needs to be empowered so that they not only become technology users, but also play roles as creators, leaders and decision-makers in the country's digital ecosystem.

Petronas' legal challenges create doubts among Sarawakians whether federal government respects Sarawak's constitutional rights

SIBU, Jan 28 2026: SUPP Youth Central (SYC) today told the federal government to act consistently as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has publicly acknowledged Sarawak’s rights and recognised Petros as the state’s sole gas aggregator. 

SUPP Youth Central: Sarawak’s oil and gas rights are safeguarded by history, law and constitutional principles.  

“If this is truly the federal government’s position, then why does Petronas continue to pursue legal challenges?” SYC asked in a statement in response to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said’s written reply to a question from Saratok MP Ali Biju early this week.

“Such actions risk undermining the prime minister’s commitment and create doubts among Sarawakians as to whether the federal government genuinely respects Sarawak’s constitutional position,” it said.

SYC also said disputes between the Sarawak government and Petronas should be resolved through negotiation, not legal confrontation.

“What Sarawakians seek is fair resource distribution, constructive cooperation and long-term stability — not prolonged litigation that strains federal–state relations.

“A mature partnership must be built on continuous dialogue, mutual respect and trust, not courtroom battles,” it said.

SYS also reminded that Sarawak’s oil and gas rights are safeguarded by history, law and constitutional principles.

SYS urged the federal government to support negotiation, not confrontation; uphold partnership, not division; respect Sarawak’s constitutional rights in both words and action.

It reiterated that Sarawak’s oil and gas rights cannot be casually dismissed simply because the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) does not spell them out word for word.

“Firstly, MA63 is a founding covenant, not an ordinary document. Its spirit was to establish Malaysia with Sarawak, Sabah, Singapore and Malaya as equal partners.

“As an equal partner, Sarawak’s inherent rights over its land and natural resources must be respected.

“Any narrow or selective interpretation that ignores the historical intent and constitutional significance of MA63 is unacceptable and undermines the spirit on the formation of Malaysia.

“Secondly, Sarawak’s laws continue to carry constitutional weight,” saying that Oil Mining Ordinance 1958 (OMO 1958) was enacted by Sarawak’s legislature prior to the formation of Malaysia.

“This affirms that Sarawak constitutionally retains jurisdiction over oil and gas within its territory.

“Therefore, Sarawak’s rights, state laws and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report must be fully respected and upheld,” SYS said.

In a written reply to a question raised by Saratok Member of Parliament Ali Biju in the Dewan Rakyat on January 26, who asked the prime minister to state the federal government’s latest stance on Sarawak’s claims relating to the Order in Council 1954 and the Territorial Seas Act 2012, as well as the extent to which the MA63 negotiations can avoid overlapping powers between Petros and Petronas.

Azalina said has said that the matter was being considered in the Federal Court based on Petronas's input and official response and that the government respects the independence of the judiciary and will abide by its decision.

Azalina also stated that MA63 is a fundamental document for the formation of Malaysia but does not contain provisions relating to the ownership, management or regulation of oil and gas, in addition to stressing that the industry is determined by federal legislation, particularly the Petroleum Development Act 1974 which vests Petronas with petroleum.