KUCHING, Sept 15 2026: Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan stressed that Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) Report are important foundations in preserving the spirit of the formation of Malaysia.
He said that the two documents are not just historical records, but rather reflect the understanding, assurance and spirit that formed the basis of the formation of the Federation of Malaysia.
“Respecting MA63 and the IGC Report means respecting the spirit of Malaysia itself, a federation built on trust, respect and recognition of the rights and interests of all parties," he said in his Malaysia Day message.
According to him, after more than six decades of the formation of Malaysia, Sarawak has now changed a lot with stronger economic progress and increasing investor confidence.
He said that Sarawak has recorded more than RM116 billion in investment value from Domestic Investment (DDI) and Foreign Capital Investment (MPI) in the five years since 2021.
However, he stressed that progress cannot be measured by numbers alone, but rather real development must be translated into a better future, quality education, job opportunities with good salaries and wider economic opportunities for the people.
“When a family, whether in the city or the countryside, can enjoy a more prosperous life, that is Sarawak that is changing, a Sarawak that is developed and has high income,” he said.
Awang Tengah also stressed that Malaysia’s strength lies in the strength of the regions and states that make it up.
“When Sarawak develops, Malaysia changes. When Sarawak prospers, Malaysia becomes more prosperous,” he emphasised.
He called on the people to continue to preserve unity and strengthen the spirit of togetherness that is the foundation of the formation of the nation to ensure that today’s success can be continued for future generations.
Separately, another Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian said that Malaysia Day celebration should be a space for all Malaysians to relive the history of the formation of the country and understand their respective rights and responsibilities in the Federation of Malaysia.
Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian says Malaysia Day celebration is a reminder of the formation of Malaysia
He explained that September 16 is not just a public holiday, but rather an important date for Malaysians to reflect on the meaning of the formation of the Federation of Malaysia and the direction of the country.
According to him, the celebration is a reminder of the formation of Malaysia in 1963 which involved the Federation of Malaya, Sarawak, Sabah and Singapore.
In this regard, he hopes that the people understand the history of the formation of Malaysia more deeply, including the position of the rights of Sabah and Sarawak and the responsibilities of the Federal Government based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution.
“Let us together celebrate Malaysia Day with purpose, mission and vision,” he said in a special message in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration on Tuesday.
Dr Sim said Sarawak is now receiving increasing attention with high hopes placed on this state in shaping the future of Malaysia.
“Recently, most people have looked to Sarawak and placed their hopes on Sarawak as another way forward for Malaysia,” he said.
He also called on all Malaysians to use the Malaysia Day celebration as a momentum to strengthen the spirit of togetherness and jointly build the country's future.
