YB Dato Ir Lo Khere Chiang urges Federal government to respect MA 63

suppadmin | August 14, 2024

The recent statement from the Minister of Economy has sparked alarm and outrage across Sarawak. It’s time for a forceful reminder that Malaysia’s unity hinges on the respect and adherence to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Any attempt to undermine or reinterpret the boundaries established by MA63 is not just a political misstep; it’s a direct threat to the very fabric of our nation, said Batu Kitang State Assemblyman Dato IR Lo Khere Chiang.

He said MA63 is not a mere formality; it is the foundational agreement that brought Malaysia into existence. For the Minister to issue a statement casting doubt on Sarawak’s established boundaries and suggesting ongoing disputes with federal authorities is nothing short of a betrayal of that sacred pact.

“Sarawak’s boundaries, including its continental shelf, have been defined and protected by law long before this recent controversy. The Sarawak (Alteration of Boundaries) Order 1954 and subsequent legislation have firmly established these borders. To question these legal frameworks now is not just legally unsound; it is a blatant disregard for the spirit of MA63. Let’s be clear, MA63 is not negotiable—it is a binding agreement that defines Malaysia’s very existence. The Federal Government’s recent attempts to reinterpret these boundaries in a way that undermines Sarawak’s rights is a dangerous precedent. It undermines trust and threatens the unity of Malaysia itself,” Lo pointed out.

If the Federal Government cannot honor the terms of MA63, Lo said it is not Sarawak that will suffer but it is the whole nation that stands to lose. The integrity of Malaysia is at stake. Disrespecting MA63 undermines the very principles on which this nation was built.

The Sarawak Government has been clear, he stated and that all Carbon Storage projects undertaken within the boundaries of Sarawak must be regulated by state laws. The Sarawak Government states categorically that the boundaries of Sarawak were not a subject matter under discussion through the MA63 platform. The boundaries of Sarawak, including the Continental Shelf, its right therein, cannot be subject to any negotiation. This is not open for debate. The MA63 agreement is sacrosanct, and Sarawakians will not stand idly by while our rights are questioned or disregarded.

Lo called on the Minister of Economy to heed this warning: Respect MA63, or face the very real possibility of eroding whatever is left of the unity of Malaysia. The future of our nation depends on honoring the agreements that brought us together. Know this: There is no Malaysia without MA63.

It’s time to reaffirm our commitment to the agreement that made Malaysia a reality. Anything less is a betrayal of our nation’s principles and a threat to our shared future, he added.