"State government intensifying efforts to expedite resolutions on outstanding issues under MA63"

KUCHING, May 13 2026: Deputy Minister of Law, Malaysia Agreement 1963 and State-Federal Relations Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said that the Sarawak government has always intensified efforts to expedite the resolution of outstanding issues under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) through a structured and continuous negotiation approach with the federal government. 

Caption: Deputy Minister Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali says that the state government is prioritisng core issues of MA63 

She said among the main efforts are active involvement in the MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) as well as technical and parent committees to ensure that each issue is discussed regularly and monitored periodically.

“The state government is also prioritising core issues of MA63 such as state financial rights, administrative autonomy, and increasing parliamentary seats to ensure that solutions are made in a focused and effective manner,” she said when replying to questions from Tamin state legislative member (SLM) Christopher Gira Sambang.

She added the state government is also strengthening the monitoring mechanism for the implementation of MA63 through a structured monitoring system to ensure that each negotiation decision is followed by clear follow-up actions.

She said state government is making effort to coordinate the state and federal agencies to expedite the implementation of agreed decisions.

”The use of a phased implementation approach to ensure that complex issues can be resolved in an orderly and effective manner.

“Currently, the resolution of outstanding issues of MA63 requires continuous scrutiny as it involves various aspects of legislation, policies and the consent of various parties.

“However, the Sarawak government will remain committed to implementing a constructive negotiation approach through existing platforms to ensure that all MA63 issues can be resolved progressively and thoroughly,” she added.

 

Establishment of Ombudsman Select Committee is a vital step towards strengthening governance, accountability

KUCHING, May 13 2026: Tamin state legislative member (SLM) Christopher Gira Sambang stressed that the establishment of the Ombudsman Special Select Committee is a vital step towards strengthening governance, accountability and institutional integrity in Sarawak.

Caption: Tamin SLM Christopher Gira Gambang  emphasises that the committee would play a crucial role in enhancing transparency and strengthening public confidence in government institutions.

He said the committee is not merely symbolic but serves as an important mechanism to ensure transparency, effective oversight and proper scrutiny of policies, implementation, public expenditure and government administration.

He noted that with the public becoming increasingly educated and having greater access to information, there is a growing expectation for the legislature to function as a credible institution capable of monitoring government performance professionally and effectively.

“With an increasingly informed and aware public, there is a growing expectation for the legislature not only to debate issues but also to function as a credible institution capable of monitoring government performance effectively,” he said when debating the motion on the appointment of a Special Select Committee at the state legislative assembly (SLA).

He highlighted the challenges faced at the grassroots level, particularly in rural areas, saying that such issues such as water supply, delayed infrastructure projects, digital connectivity and public service delivery require more structured and in-depth follow-up beyond conventional debates.

“The proposed committee would enable the August House to carry out more substantive roles including calling relevant agencies for explanations, examining technical reports, engaging stakeholders and recommending institutional improvements,” he explained.

The Tamin Assemblyman further emphasised that the committee would play a crucial role in enhancing transparency and strengthening public confidence in government institutions.

“Transparency builds confidence. Confidence builds stability and stability drives development,” he said.

In addition, he described the committee as a platform to bring the voice of the people into the government’s governance framework, ensuring that public concerns are more effectively represented.

He said the committee would allow for more comprehensive examination of issues affecting ordinary Sarawakians including project delays, implementation weaknesses, bureaucratic challenges, rural infrastructure and service delivery systems.

“The governance reforms must be inclusive and not confined to urban areas but must also reflect the realities and needs of rural communities across Sarawak,” he said.

 

SLA approves motion for establishment of Ombudsman Select Committee, with Lingga YB as its chairman

KUCHING, May 13 2026: The Sarawak state legislative assembly (SLA) has approved a ministerial motion for  the establishment of the Ombudsman Special Select Committee, with Lingga state legislative member (SLM) Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor, an accountant, as its chairman. 

Caption: Deputy Minister Dr Juanda Jaya  says that the committee is established to ensure that all reports, recommendations and reprimands presented in the Ombudsman's report are complied with and implemented by the government. 

The motion, tabled by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), was approved after receiving a majority vote from SLMs after five members took part in the debate.

The five members are Batu Lintang SLM See Chee How, Kota Sentosa SLM Wilfred Yap Yau Sin, Tebedu SLM Dr Simon Sinang Bada, Ngemah SLM Anyi Jana and Tellian SLM Royston Valentine.

See brings with him the experience of a senior legal practitioner who has served his constituency since 2011.

His expertise in constitutional law, human rights, and legal reform is well demonstrated by his representation of landowners in Native Customary Rights disputes, well versed in matters involving land administration in Sarawak.  

Wilfred Yap is also a lawyer by profession with more than 30 years of experience and known for his dedication to grassroots development, urban planning, and service delivery.  

Dr Simon Sinang is a veterinary surgeon, Anyi is a distinguished former educator and administrator who has devoted much of his career to advancing education in Sarawak.  

Royston is a strong proponent of youth activism and representing the voice of the young generation ensuring representation of every strata of society is heard in this forum.

Speaking at a press conference later, Dr Juanda said that under Section 42(3) of the Sarawak Ombudsman Ordinance 2023, a Special Select Committee can be appointed through a motion made under the Standing Orders of the State Legislative Assembly to consider any matter relating to reports raised in the House.

He said the committee was established to ensure that all reports, recommendations and reprimands presented in the Ombudsman's report are complied with and implemented by the government.

"Any findings from the people's reports and complaints assessed by the Ombudsman, and if the Ombudsman finds that there is a basis for giving reprimands, suggestions or improvements to the government, then the matter will be reviewed by this special committee to ensure that action has been taken," he said.

He added that the move proves that Sarawak is now moving on par with developed countries in ensuring that issues of misgovernance and abuse of power are reprimanded and corrected through a more transparent check and balance mechanism.

Dr Juanda also explained that the Ombudsman's report will be tabled in the State Legislative Assembly and can be debated by the SLMs as a manifestation of transparency and accountability at the highest level. 

"Currently, our ordinance stipulates the jurisdiction of misgovernance that will be reviewed by the Ombudsman involves state government agencies, local authorities, state statutory bodies, state government-owned enterprises as well as any party that receives wages or salaries from the state government," he said.