Malaysia updates progress on Malaysia Agreement 1963 implementation

Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak), has provided updates on the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Out of 29 key matters, 16 have been fully resolved, while 10 remain under negotiation between the Federal Government, Sabah, and Sarawak. Three additional matters are currently at an interim or partial resolution stage.

One significant development involves the review of special grants under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution. An interim payment rate of RM1.5 billion has been agreed upon for Sabah and Sarawak while the final calculation formula is being finalized.

Furthermore, discussions are underway regarding the potential increase of parliamentary seats for Sabah and Sarawak. Currently, these states hold 56 seats, representing 25.3 percent of the Dewan Rakyat, with a proposal to increase this representation to 35 percent. Official engagement with the Election Commission has commenced to examine the legal, technical, and constitutional mechanisms required for this change.

Mustapha noted that the timeline for resolving remaining claims depends on legal processes and the operational, human resource, and financial readiness of the Sabah and Sarawak state governments.