MA63 still binding, no ‘new deal’ needed, says Armizan

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 16 — The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) remains a binding agreement, according to Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. He stated that the commitments and responsibilities outlined in the agreement continue to be relevant and enforceable on all involved parties. Armizan's statement aligns with Article VIII of MA63, which mandates the governments of Malaya, North Borneo, and Sarawak to take necessary legislative, executive, or other actions to implement the guarantees, undertakings, and recommendations from the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report.

The Malaysia Day, celebrated on September 16, marks the formation of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963. However, Armizan emphasized that Malaysia Day is not the only historically significant date. He urged society to recognize the importance of MA63 as the "birth certificate" of the Federation, not just the Federation of Malaya Agreement 1948, the social contract among the three major ethnic groups, or Malaya's independence in 1957.

In light of the 63rd anniversary of Malaysia's formation, Armizan implored Malaysians to comprehend the importance and significance of Malaysia Day by embracing the terms of the MA63 agreement. He clarified that no new agreement or "new deal" is necessary, as the provisions of MA63 indicate that the agreement does not expire after the enactment of the Federal Constitution.

The Minister expressed the hope that Malaysia would continue to flourish into a stronger and more advanced nation, ensuring prosperity and security for all Malaysians.