Sabah revenue, oil royalties among issues to be discussed at MA63 Committee meeting

“There are still several issues that need to be discussed in detail, including the 40 per cent revenue and oil royalties. But, of course, it will take a longer time (to find solutions),” Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said after the launch of his wife Datin Seri Shuryani Shuaib’s 15th book entitled “Curry Leaves”. - NSTP/KHAIRULL AZRY BIDIN.
By Olivia Miwil - August 20, 2019 @ 5:00pm

KOTA KINABALU: The Special Cabinet Committee to Review the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63) is now looking into returning 40 per cent of revenue to Sabah as well as oil royalties involving the state.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the state government was aware that several issues such as forests, administrative management, authority over Sipidan and Ligitan islands, gas and electricity, as well as certain other issues, had already been brought to the federal cabinet.

“There are still several issues that need to be discussed in detail, including the 40 per cent revenue and oil royalties. But, of course, it will take a longer time (to find solutions),” he said after the launch of his wife Datin Seri Shuryani Shuaib’s 15th book entitled “Curry Leaves”.

Shafie was commenting on a statement yesterday by the Prime Minister’s Office that seven issues had already been solved while 14 others are expected to have outcomes by Aug 31.

He said the special committee had agreed that regulation of electricity and gas would be handed over to the state after due diligence on the matter is conducted, including solving technical issues such as the RM1 billion subsidy and the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd debt.

“We are grateful that under Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, we can achieve part of what the people of Sabah have been demanding as their rights.

“However, there are voices of those who want something else.

“Now at least we have something, what is more important is toward realising (MA63),” he added.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew, who is also state tourism, culture and environment minister, launched Shuryani’s 100-page cookbook which is priced at RM99 each.