Anwar hopes to solve MA63 issues when he becomes PM

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday gave his assurance that the issues surrounding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) would be resolved when he becomes the prime minister. -- NSTP/MALAI ROSMAH TUAH.
By Olivia Miwil - September 17, 2019 @ 6:02pm

KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday gave his assurance that the issues surrounding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) would be resolved when he becomes the prime minister.

The Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president said the federal government was serious in restoring the rights of Sabah and Sarawak according to the agreement.

He said that MA63 was not a petty issue but there were weaknesses in its implementation as it has been delayed for many years.

“(Prime Minister) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is looking at the issue seriously and has formed a cabinet committee that includes Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg to discuss the matter to ensure better implementation of the MA63.

“People of Sabah and Sarawak understand that we will fulfil our commitment. If there is good progress, when it is my turn (as a Prime Minister), I will make sure that it (MA63) is resolved,” he said at the launch of the Sabah PKR annual general meeting here.

Present were Sabah PKR chief Datuk Christina Liew and other Pakatan Harapan leaders and representatives.

Anwar, who is also Port Dickson member of parliament, said that though he has a minor role in the government, he has always been supporting and monitoring the governance to ensure there were no weaknesses.

He reminded party members to remain steadfast in their principles to defend the rights of the poor, underprivileged and marginalised people irrespective of their backgrounds.

“I also would like to remind that it is fine to criticise leaders but never betray the spirit of the party (in upholding justice and reformation).

“When Pakatan became the government, among the first steps taken by Dr Mahathir was to give freedom to the media. But, when we are criticised, some cannot take it.

“If he or she understands reformation, he would listen (to criticism) and answer properly and politely, that is our new culture,” Anwar said, adding that the party should move away from old perceptions that politics was merely about power abuse and a way to be wealthy.

As for the Umno-Pas pact on Sept 14, Anwar said it would not pose a threat as long as the government remained with their principles and policies in looking after the welfare of the people, economic growth, ensuring quality of education and health.