(Kuching, 5th) Education regarding the 1963 Malaysian Agreement (MA63) is crucial for understanding the fundamental principles behind the agreement, particularly for law students.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari stated that this effort has begun with the provision of a Bachelor of Laws course by the University of Malaya (UM) Sarawak branch.
“We have been authorized to offer law courses and a Bachelor of Laws degree in Sarawak through the University of Malaya (UM) branch. Swinburne University also offers law courses with elective options, including indigenous customary law, customary law, and the 1963 Malaysian Agreement.”
Abang Johari made this statement last night at a gratitude dinner held by the Sarawak Unit for Other Religious Affairs.
Meanwhile, he stressed the importance for students to understand the principles and spirit behind MA63 and why Sarawak receives special treatment in the Federal Constitution.
He stated that this approach is very important for educating individuals to understand Sarawak's rights and status from an academic and factual perspective, rather than solely from a political viewpoint.
“Now, with this law course available, I am requesting that MA63 be made an elective subject. This is to ensure that it is not merely a debate but an academic study. They need to learn all the provisions in the Malaysian Agreement, otherwise it becomes overly politicized. We need individuals to understand the principles behind it, the spirit of MA63, and why Sarawak is afforded special treatment in the Constitution.”