Implementation Of MA63 Must Be Resolved Through Sincere, Constructive Negotiations - Tun Musa

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- The implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), particularly the provision of 40 per cent of the Federal Government’s net revenue from Sabah, must be resolved through sincere and constructive negotiations, Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman said.

Negotiations should also be based on the spirit underlying the formation of Malaysia, which will mark its 63rd anniversary tomorrow and celebrated nationwide as Malaysia Day, he added.

“On this Malaysia Day, we must also reaffirm the spirit and principles underlying the Malaysia Agreement 1963,” he said in his message in conjunction with Malaysia Day 2026 today.

Tun Musa said Malaysia Day was not merely celebration of an anniversary, but also a reminder of the promises made and the shared responsibility to preserve unity, respect the foundations on which the country was formed, safeguard peace and ensure that prosperity was enjoyed fairly by the people.

“With a spirit of mutual respect, trust and unity of purpose, I am confident that we can overcome all the challenges ahead and continue building a peaceful, progressive, prosperous and respected Malaysia,” he said.

According to Tun Musa, this year’s Malaysia Day is being celebrated amid a world facing geopolitical uncertainty, cost-of-living pressures, supply chain disruptions and climate change. Therefore, Malaysia must remain resilient, united and forward-looking, particularly in strengthening the economy.

He said the country’s economic resilience must also translate into a better standard of living, meaningful employment opportunities, increased investment and opportunities that could be enjoyed fairly throughout the country.

In this regard, he said the development gap in Sabah must be addressed seriously, particularly in terms of basic infrastructure such as water and electricity supply, roads, healthcare services, education and economic opportunities, so that no one would be left behind.

“Development must reach every district, town, village and rural community so that no one is left behind. A stronger and more prosperous Sabah will ultimately make Malaysia stronger and more prosperous,” he said.

On the social landscape, he stressed that there was no place for any form of racial or religious extremism, as the tradition of tolerance and mutual respect had been a distinctive identity, particularly in Sabah, passed down through generations.

Tun Musa also reminded all leaders entrusted with the people’s mandate to always put the interests of the people and the country above personal agendas and not exploit racial or religious sentiments for narrow political gains.

“I also call on all Malaysians, particularly those entrusted with leadership and those aspiring to hold public office, to always place the interests of the people and the country above narrow personal or political interests,” he said.

-- BERNAMA