Sabah gets RM1.5b MA63 boost, Anwar hints Sarawak could be next by Sept 16

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Sabah's interim allocation will increase to RM1.5 billion this year, during the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council meeting (MTPMA63) press conference. The payment is an interim measure, and negotiations will continue based on the country's financial situation as per the original agreement.

Anwar stated that if the increase is too small, it may be contested, and they will await Parliament's decision in October to table the paper and disburse the RM1.5 billion, potentially by the end of October or early November.

Hajiji, Sabah's Chief Minister, had earlier requested the 40 per cent payment to Sabah and hoped for its resolution and expediting. Anwar also mentioned that Sarawak, while not covered under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, should be considered with the same spirit. He hinted that by September 16, Malaysia Day in Kuching, an interim measure for Sarawak might be announced. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg expressed gratitude for the discussions and decisions made.