Latest news with #MA63
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
To secure constitutional rights Sabah must be like Sarawak: Jeffrey
Published on: Thursday, July 24, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 24, 2025 Text Size: Dr Jeffrey (centre) at the Sarawak Independence Day Cultural Parade. BAU: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has issued a clarion call for Sabah to mirror Sarawak's successful model of political unity and assertive leadership in order to effectively safeguard its rights within the Malaysian Federation. Speaking at Sarawak's vibrant Independence Day Cultural Parade July 22, Jeffrey lauded Sarawak's cohesive political front and its confident engagement with Putrajaya. He highlighted Sarawak's achievement of having a Deputy Prime Minister as a direct result of this unified political strategy. Jeffrey, who is also President of the Borneo Dayak Forum (BDF), underscored the historical significance of July 22nd, 1963, Sarawak's self-governance day, and its pivotal role in the formation of Malaysia. He emphasized the symbolic weight of the '13' prefix in Sarawakian identity cards, representing Sarawak's unique status as a founding partner in the Federation, a status he argued has been progressively eroded since the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). He stressed that Sabah and Sarawak were not merely added states, but equal partners in a federation that has deviated from its original principles. Jeffrey commended Sarawak's leadership for its proactive approach in securing recognition of Sarawak Day as a public holiday and for its persistent, peaceful advocacy for its constitutional rights. He cited Sarawak's successful cultural events, such as the Independence Day parade, as powerful demonstrations of unity and state pride, serving as a model for all Borneans. He specifically praised Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his leadership in this regard. Sarawak government officially gazetted July 22 as Sarawak Day, that is also widely referred to as Sarawak Independence Day, in 2016 under the leadership of then Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem who emphasized that Sarawak never 'joined' Malaysia but rather formed Malaysia together with Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), and Singapore. The move was part of his broader push for Sarawak's autonomy, particularly in the context of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Sabah government gazetted Aug 31 as Sabah Day last year to commemorate the day in 1963 that the territory gained self-government after decades as a British crown colony. Jeffrey said with a fervent appeal for unity among Borneans, urging Sabah to learn from Sarawak's example and to celebrate its own historical milestones with similar vigour. He extended an invitation to Sarawakian leaders and friends to join in the Sabah Day celebrations in Kota Kinabalu next month. He expressed his hope for a future where Sabah and Sarawak fully reclaim their rightful positions as equal founding partners in Malaysia, as envisioned under the MA63. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Ahmad Ibrahim sworn in as senator for second term
KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim ( pic ) was sworn in as a senator for a second term on Wednesday (July 23). He took the oath of office before Dewan Negara president Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah. Ahmad was reappointed by the Sarawak state legislative assembly for a three-year term, effective today and running until July 22, 2028. Previously, Ahmad, 55, served as a senator from July 22, 2022, until July 21 this year. Meanwhile, Awang Bemee, in his speech, welcomed Ahmad's reappointment and reminded all senators to remain well-informed on current issues, while upholding the principles and responsibilities of the Dewan Negara as the country's highest legislative body. At a press conference after the ceremony, Ahmad said that his reappointment was a mandate to continue defending the rights and privileges of Sarawak, within the framework of the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). The Kanowit native pledged to carry out the trust placed in him with greater determination, enthusiasm and dedication, supported by fellow members of the Senate. "Let us continue to move forward, not merely as a voice of protest, but as a voice of hope - not to divide, but to strengthen unity. "It is not only about defending Sarawak's place in Malaysia, but also about shaping the future of the nation, with a strong and resolute Sarawakian voice as its backbone,' he said. - Bernama
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PBB supreme council member sworn in as senator for second term
Ahmad swears in as senate member in Parliament today. – Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR (July 23): Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim was today sworn in as a senator for a second term. He took the oath of office before Dewan Negara president Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah. Ahmad was reappointed by the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly for a three-year term, effective today and running until July 22, 2028. Previously, Ahmad, 55, served as a senator from July 22, 2022, until July 21 this year. Meanwhile, Awang Bemee, in his speech, welcomed Ahmad's reappointment and reminded all senators to remain well-informed on current issues, while upholding the principles and responsibilities of the Dewan Negara as the country's highest legislative body. At a press conference after the ceremony, Ahmad said that his reappointment was a mandate to continue defending the rights and privileges of Sarawak, within the framework of the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). The Kanowit native pledged to carry out the trust placed in him with greater determination, enthusiasm and dedication, supported by fellow members of the Senate. 'Let us continue to move forward, not merely as a voice of protest, but as a voice of hope – not to divide, but to strengthen unity. 'It is not only about defending Sarawak's place in Malaysia, but also about shaping the future of the nation, with a strong and resolute Sarawakian voice as its backbone,' he said. – Bernama Ahmad Ibrahim Dewan Negara lead PBB Sarawak senator swearing in
Barnama
2 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Ahmad Ibrahim Sworn In As Senator For Second Term
KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim was today sworn in as a senator for a second term. He took the oath of office before Dewan Negara president Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah. Ahmad was reappointed by the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly for a three-year term, effective today and running until July 22, 2028. Previously, Ahmad, 55, served as a senator from July 22, 2022, until July 21 this year. Meanwhile, Awang Bemee, in his speech, welcomed Ahmad's reappointment and reminded all senators to remain well-informed on current issues, while upholding the principles and responsibilities of the Dewan Negara as the country's highest legislative body. At a press conference after the ceremony, Ahmad said that his reappointment was a mandate to continue defending the rights and privileges of Sarawak, within the framework of the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). The Kanowit native pledged to carry out the trust placed in him with greater determination, enthusiasm and dedication, supported by fellow members of the Senate. 'Let us continue to move forward, not merely as a voice of protest, but as a voice of hope - not to divide, but to strengthen unity. 'It is not only about defending Sarawak's place in Malaysia, but also about shaping the future of the nation, with a strong and resolute Sarawakian voice as its backbone,' he said.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
SUPP leader urges deeper appreciation of Sarawak's unique status in Malaysia
Kua Jack Seng KUCHING (July 21): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Engkilili branch chief Kua Jack Seng has called for a deeper appreciation of Sarawak's unique status in Malaysia, cautioning against narratives that disregard the state's constitutional rights and historical standing within the Federation. Responding to an article titled 'We Are All Malaysians' by Democratic Action Party's (DAP) Wong Lee Ting, Kua said while the message of unity is laudable, it risks downplaying Sarawak's position as a founding partner of Malaysia. 'Let us be very clear — Sarawak did not join Malaysia in 1963. We formed Malaysia together with Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), and Singapore as equal founding partners under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),' said Kua, who is also a political secretary to the Premier, in a statement. According to him, the safeguards enshrined in MA63, including Sarawak's control over immigration, land, education, language policy, and taxation, are rights and not privileges. 'While we proudly identify as Malaysians, that identity must be built on mutual respect and constitutional equality — not imposed uniformity or historical revisionism,' Kua said. He criticised Wong's call to 'let go of labels' and 'not divide ourselves' as idealistic and potentially harmful if used to dismiss Sarawak's legitimate aspirations. 'Portraying the assertion of a Sarawakian identity as divisive is misleading,' he said. Kua argued that Sarawak's demands are neither excessive nor unreasonable but necessary corrections to long-standing imbalances in the Federation. 'For too long, Sarawak has contributed richly to the national economy, especially through oil and gas, while receiving disproportionately little in return. Our people are rightfully asking — where is the fairness? Where is the respect?' Kua reiterated several key demands, including the full implementation of MA63 with the restored autonomy in education, healthcare, fiscal policy, and natural resources; the reinstatement of one-third parliamentary representation for Sabah and Sarawak as originally agreed; a greater share and control over oil and gas revenues; and the protection of Sarawak's multicultural and multireligious identity. He warned that West Malaysian-style extremism has no place in Sarawak's tolerant society. 'These are essential corrections to decades of centralisation and neglect. If we are truly 'all Malaysians,' then let the spirit of Malaysia be one of equality, not dominance,' he said. Kua emphasised that Sarawakians are not anti-Malaysia but want a Malaysia that respects their rights, history, and identity. 'True unity is not about erasing identities or asking Sarawakians to compromise endlessly. It is about acknowledging past wrongs and committing to fairness and federal balance,' he added. 'Yes, we are all Malaysians. But never forget — we are also Sarawakians. And that really matters to a true Sarawakian.' Kua Jack Seng lead malaysia status
