(Kuching, 26th) Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof stated that the work of explaining the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to Members of Parliament (MPs) remains an ongoing process, as not all MPs are willing to understand the issue.
Speaking to the media on Saturday night (January 25) after attending the "Boundless Perspectives: Sarawak Fireside Chat—Aspirations and Impact" event organized by the Malaysia Oxford & Cambridge University Alumni Network at the Pullman Hotel in Kuching, he pointed out:
"Even though it has been explained, several scenarios still occur: some want to understand, some don't want to, and some don't want to understand at all."
He said that feedback he received after advocating for MA63 to MPs clearly showed which parliamentarians were ready to support the related agenda and which were not.
"From there, we can categorize the MPs—those willing to understand MA63 and stand with us, those who, even though they understand, choose not to side with us. At least now, we know the numbers."
Fadillah pointed out that this is particularly crucial when bringing MA63-related matters to Parliament, especially issues requiring a two-thirds majority to pass.
"By the time we reach the voting stage, we already know whether we have the ability to secure a two-thirds majority. Next, we can formulate strategies accordingly," he added.
He emphasized that Sabah and Sarawak are not making new demands under the MA63 framework but are simply seeking rights already granted in the agreement and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report.
Earlier, during the fireside chat segment, Fadillah stated that the Peninsular Malaysia region, including some MPs, still does not fully understand MA63, the reason being that the nation's founding history has not been sufficiently emphasized in the national education system.
Therefore, he believes Malaysia must rekindle a "Malaysian spirit" based on MA63.
He said: "I believe we must return to the spirit at the time of Malaysia's formation. This is precisely our current focus—ensuring cabinet members, especially MPs, truly understand by revisiting MA63 and the IGC Report.
"It's not that Sarawak wants everything. What we want is that our rights are respected and honored. Sarawak will not take everything. What we obtain will also be given back to the federal government through taxes and other means."
Speaking to the media on Saturday night (January 25) after attending the "Boundless Perspectives: Sarawak Fireside Chat—Aspirations and Impact" event organized by the Malaysia Oxford & Cambridge University Alumni Network at the Pullman Hotel in Kuching, he pointed out:
"Even though it has been explained, several scenarios still occur: some want to understand, some don't want to, and some don't want to understand at all."
"From there, we can categorize the MPs—those willing to understand MA63 and stand with us, those who, even though they understand, choose not to side with us. At least now, we know the numbers."
Fadillah pointed out that this is particularly crucial when bringing MA63-related matters to Parliament, especially issues requiring a two-thirds majority to pass.
"By the time we reach the voting stage, we already know whether we have the ability to secure a two-thirds majority. Next, we can formulate strategies accordingly," he added.
He emphasized that Sabah and Sarawak are not making new demands under the MA63 framework but are simply seeking rights already granted in the agreement and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report.
Earlier, during the fireside chat segment, Fadillah stated that the Peninsular Malaysia region, including some MPs, still does not fully understand MA63, the reason being that the nation's founding history has not been sufficiently emphasized in the national education system.
Therefore, he believes Malaysia must rekindle a "Malaysian spirit" based on MA63.
He said: "I believe we must return to the spirit at the time of Malaysia's formation. This is precisely our current focus—ensuring cabinet members, especially MPs, truly understand by revisiting MA63 and the IGC Report.
"It's not that Sarawak wants everything. What we want is that our rights are respected and honored. Sarawak will not take everything. What we obtain will also be given back to the federal government through taxes and other means."