SUPP Backs Governor’s Call to Restore Sarawak’s Rights Under MA63

suppadmin | September 27, 2025

SUPP Secretary-General Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew has congratulated the Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, for delivering the National Leaders Lecture at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) on September 26, which he described as insightful and deeply meaningful.

“His Excellency provided profound interpretations of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Inter-Governmental Committee Report, and the Cobbold Commission Report, giving Sarawakians a deeper understanding of historical facts and our inherent rights,” Ting said.

He noted that Wan Junaidi, during his time as Federal Minister in charge of legal affairs, had successfully tabled the 2021 Federal Constitution (Amendment) Bill in Parliament to incorporate MA63 into the Federal Constitution, a move that strengthened Sarawak’s legal standing.

Ting said SUPP fully supported Wan Junaidi’s call for the Federal Government to return powers Sarawak enjoyed before 1985, including the authority to recommend judicial commissioners, which was taken away after constitutional amendments that year.

“The Federal Government must take this issue seriously and include it in MA63 negotiations to restore Sarawak’s rightful powers,” he stressed.

He also welcomed Wan Junaidi’s proposal for Sarawak to be given greater control over determining Sarawakian citizenship status, especially in addressing the long-standing issue of stateless children.

“SUPP has handled countless cases involving stateless children. Greater authority for Sarawak in citizenship matters will ensure these issues are resolved more effectively and swiftly,” he said.

Ting further highlighted Wan Junaidi’s remarks on the Continental Shelf Act 1966, which was extended to Sarawak without consent, describing it as contrary to the spirit of equality between founding partners.

“This is a grave error by the Federal Government that must be urgently rectified. The spirit of MA63 is equality and partnership, and any unilateral action undermines Sarawak’s rightful position as a founding partner of Malaysia,” he said.

Calling on Sarawakians to remain united in safeguarding their rights, Ting said SUPP will continue to work with the Sarawak Government and stakeholders to advocate for the full realization of Sarawak’s constitutional and legal rights.