KUCHING: De facto Law Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has explained that his ministry’s task is to amend points in the Federal Constitution relevant to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and not to amend the whole agreement.
“MA63 is an agreement signed between Britain, Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak on July 9, 1963.
“This agreement is recognised by the United Nations and it cannot be changed or amended.”
He further noted that the amendment of points was important in returning and preserving the rights of Sabah and Sarawak as agreed in MA63.
Wan Junaidi said with the support from the Attorney General Chambers, it could correct the matters mentioned in the Federal Constitution, which has given rise to misinterpretations of MA63.
“Apart from that, it is to restore the rights of the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak that have been eroded by the amendment of the constitution or the enactment of new laws since 1963.
“This amendment is also to realise what has been stated in the Federal Constitution but not fully implemented, especially at the level implementation, by government officials on duty.”
He expressed confidence that the issue would be given special focus from the policy level as it would involve the amendment of the constitution.
“This clearly reflects the seriousness of the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, in ensuring Malaysians in Sabah and Sarawak are not left behind and will receive the same rights as their counterparts in the Peninsular.”
