{
  "id": 7822000,
  "title": "MA63 must be honoured, implemented as national pledge, says Anwar",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/ma63-must-be-honoured-implemented-as-national-pledge-says-anwar",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-16T15:53:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1534346/ma63-must-be-honoured-implemented-national-pledge-says-anwar"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of upholding and implementing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as a national pledge, stating it is a solemn promise made by previous leaders to strengthen the bond between Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. Anwar stressed the need to carefully examine and review past decisions, particularly as some in the Peninsula perceive MA63 as solely a Sabah and Sarawak issue. At the 2026 Malaysia Day Celebration in Kuching, Anwar highlighted that nine issues related to the agreement have been resolved under the Madani government. These resolutions include recognizing Sabah and Sarawak's Public Works Department (PWD) and Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) as technical departments, appointing permanent representatives from both states to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), handing over electricity regulatory powers to Sabah, and transferring Bintulu Port to Sarawak. Anwar argued that resolving these matters requires cooperation between state and federal governments, with prosperity in Sarawak benefiting Malaysia as a whole. He viewed Bintulu Port as a vital asset for Malaysia and emphasized it as a pledge for shared interests and shared wealth between Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.",
  "summary": "KUCHING: The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is a national pledge or pact that must be respected and implemented, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : MA63 Pledge Must Be Respected And Implemented - PM Anwar",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/general-ma63-pledge-must-be-respected-and-implemented-pm-anwar",
        "published": "2026-09-16T14:26:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}