Latest news with #MalaysiaAgreement
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Virtual tours offer access to statesmen memorial in KL
TUCKED away on a hill in Kuala Lumpur along Jalan Dato Onn is Memorial Negarawan. The building was previously the office of the prime minister, which is now in Perdana Putra, Putrajaya. Today, it is a solemn homage to seven visionary statesmen whose dedication shaped modern Malaysia. They include Tun VT Sambanthan and Tun Tan Cheng Lock, who – together with Tunku Abdul Rahman – are regarded as the founding fathers of Malaysia. The others are Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman (former deputy prime minister) and Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu (longest-serving Penang chief minister). The memorial also highlights the contributions of three Malaysian leaders from Sabah and Sarawak. They are Tun Fuad Stephens (Sabah's first chief minister) Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun (Sabah's third chief minister) and Tun Temenggung Jugah anak Barieng (Sarawak's representatives who signed the Malaysia Agreement in London on July 9, 1963). Collectively they represent the diverse ethnic and regional tapestry of Malaysia. Their contribution was pivotal to the journey towards independence in 1957 and the formation of Malaysia in 1963. The memorial, spread across three levels, invites visitors into seven distinct galleries, each dedicated to one statesman. Here, history comes alive through original documents, personal artefacts, evocative photographs and private memorabilia, offering a nuanced view of their public and personal battles and triumphs. Walking through the building feels like stepping into a time machine. Aside from the original prime minister's office, it also houses the old Cabinet meeting room retained as the main exhibition. Memorial Negarawan is more than a static display, as it plays a crucial role in actively preserving and perpetuating the legacies of these leaders. The old prime minister's office. By making their stories and personal collections accessible, it aims to inspire a collective national identity rooted in unity and sacrifice. While Malaysian museums grapple with future-proofing heritage, Memorial Negarawan stands as a poignant testament to the enduring power of remembrance and its crucial role in educating citizens about the nation's birth. All collections are meticulously conserved to international archival standards, safeguarding these national treasures for posterity. Recognising the need to connect with a new generation, the National Archives of Malaysia, which manages the memorial, has embraced the digital age. In 2021, they launched eNegarawan ( an innovative 360° virtual tour portal. This platform provides immersive access to Memorial Negarawan and nine other memorials under the National Archives, allowing youths to explore Malaysia's rich heritage from anywhere, at any time, using their smart devices. 'Through interactive exhibits, videos and digital artefacts, eNegarawan makes the values of unity, sacrifice and patriotism embodied by these statesmen relevant and engaging for young Malaysians. 'It is a powerful example of how technology can bridge the past and present, ensuring that the foundational stories of Malaysia continue to inspire,' said the National Archives. Memorial Negarawan, under the stewardship of the National Unity Ministry and the National Archives through the Statesmen Archives Division, implements a wide range of programmes and initiatives designed to engage diverse audiences, including schoolchildren, researchers and international visitors. Among the key programmes are 'Bicara Negarawan', a series of talks and seminars featuring experts and historians who discuss the lives and contributions of the statesmen. This initiative provides an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange and encourages critical engagement with Malaysia's political history. The memorial also organises guided tours tailored for schools, researchers and general visitors, offering immersive experiences that bring the stories and artefacts within the galleries to life. Across from Memorial Negarawan are the Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussein Onn memorials, standing out for their dedicated focus on two of Malaysia's influential founding figures.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Eight MA63 claims still under negotiation between Sarawak and federal govt
KUCHING: Eight claims related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) remain the focus of ongoing negotiations between the Sarawak and federal governments. Deputy Minister of Law, Malaysia Agreement and State-Federal Relations, Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, said Sarawak would continue to engage with the federal government on matters pertaining to MA63. She said this was to ensure that all rights enshrined under MA63, the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, and the Federal Constitution are restored and upheld. The eight items currently under negotiation, she said, include a proposal to increase the number of members of Parliament from Sabah and Sarawak in the Dewan Rakyat. "The second claim concerns the proposed amendment of Item 25A (Tourism) in List I (Federal) of the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution, to be moved to List III (Concurrent)," she said. "The third claim, which is still under negotiation, relates to health, specifically, to empower the Sarawak Health director to carry out functions under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998 (Act 586), as well as issues concerning the development, upgrading, and planning of healthcare facilities in Sarawak." She was responding to Lidam Assan (GPS–Katibas) on the status of MA63 negotiations during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting today. Hasidah said the fourth item under negotiation is related to education, including staffing issues, the implementation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Stem) subjects in English, and matters relating to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). "We also want the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department to be recognised as a Technical Department under Treasury Instruction 182," she said. "The sixth item relates to Article 112 of the Federal Constitution, while the seventh involves the Borneonisation of the Federal public service in Sarawak. "The eighth claim concerns the development of the Sabah-Sarawak-Kalimantan border area." She said the Sarawak government is also actively pursuing two matters that have been agreed to in principle: the devolution of regulatory authority over environmental matters to Sarawak through the Natural Resources and Environment Board, and an amendment to the Federal Constitution regarding the appointment of Judicial Commissioners in Sarawak. "For the latter, the Sarawak government has submitted a draft proposal to amend Article 122AB of the Federal Constitution to the Judicial Appointments Commission," she said. Hasidah added that nine claims previously under negotiation have been resolved as of May 2025. Among the resolved matters are the handover of regulatory authority for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to the Sarawak government through Petros, and the amendment to Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution to restore Sabah and Sarawak's status as equal partners in the formation of Malaysia. Other resolved matters include the amendment to the interpretation of the term 'Federation' under Article 160(2) of the Federal Constitution, which now includes MA63 and related instruments such as the IGC Report as integral components of the Constitution. "The fourth resolved item is the amendment to Article 161A, giving Sarawak full power to define the term 'native' in a more comprehensive and inclusive manner. "The fifth empowers the Sarawak Marine Fisheries Department and the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development to issue deep-sea fishing licences," she said.
Daily Express
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
13 MA63 issues have been resolved: Ewon
Published on: Monday, May 19, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 19, 2025 By: R Gonzales Text Size: Ewon examining a handcrafted knife showcased at the event venue. KOTA BELUD: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) President Datuk Ewon Benedick said the party's struggle and aspirations of the people must be translated into government policies and initiatives that benefit the people. Officiating the Upko Kaamatan Festival at Dewan Terbuka Kadamaian Square, here, Saturday, he said the real struggle is not about slogans and rhetoric but implementation of high-impact programmes that benefit the people. Advertisement 'Upko will continue to voice opinions and contribute to the building of the Malaysian Federation and a better future for Sabah. 'We begin this obligation through ministry leadership by introducing the 'Look East Within the Nation' policy. 'This policy was created to address the unique needs and challenges in Sabah and Sarawak, which differ from those in peninsula and to find the best solutions so that the people of Borneo do not feel marginalised,' said the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives. Ewon said he has also ensured agencies under his Ministry provide comprehensive services and implement various initiatives tailored to the needs of Sabah and Sarawak. Advertisement These include the Skim Usahawan Tamu, Premis Tamu Desa and the Skim Pembiayaan Industri Kraf. He said his struggle began with the mandate given by the people of Kadamaian and Penampang, as well as the trust placed in him by the Prime Minister to lead the Ministry. 'We start with responsibility, fighting, discussing, negotiating and taking action based on consistent principles of struggle. 'Certainly, there is still much to fight for in the context of entrepreneurial and cooperative development in Sabah and Sarawak. 'However, with a comprehensive approach and cooperation between the federal and state governments, we can build a better Malaysia and Sabah,' he said. 'Among our struggles is fulfilling the purpose of Malaysia's establishment 62 years ago, when Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore and Malaya agreed to sign the Malaysia Agreement, leading to the formation of a new nation called Malaysia. 'Of the many issues we have fought for, 13 matters related to the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement have been fully resolved and finalised. This is a fact,' he said. He added that of the 13 resolved matters, nine were settled by the current government, involving both the Sabah state government and the federal government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'As Upko President, I am proud that the party is part of the Federal Cabinet and has helped finalise nine issues that have been fought for over 62 years. 'Certainly, this is an achievement and success that we should celebrate together a harvest of struggle that we honour during the Kaamatan Festival,' he said. He also noted that there are still other demands to be fought for. 'That is why Upko calls for unity and cooperation among all Malaysians, especially the people of Sabah and its leaders, to remain united.' He added that Upko's struggle in the government is not mere rhetoric but is clearly translated through policies, programs and the government's annual budget. 'Upko wants to collaborate with all parties that can bring progress and a better future for Malaysians, wherever they are. 'This includes our efforts to bring entrepreneurs and cooperatives to the international market so that our local products are not only sold domestically but also gain recognition in the global market,' he said. Commenting on the spirit of unity, Ewon said Upko has no objections to any slogan that fosters unity. What matters, he said, is that Upko wants to see real unity, a struggle that can be translated into government programs and policies. At the event, he said the Kaamatan festival celebration is not only a symbol of gratitude for agricultural harvests but also a platform to celebrate achievements in various fields, including education, careers, public service, corporate sectors, entrepreneurial movements and cooperatives. 'As we uphold cultural heritage, we should embrace the Kaamatan Festival as a symbol of success and the fruits of continuous struggle.' * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
Daily Express
17-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Ewon stresses policy impact, unity, and progress for Sabah and Upko
Published on: Saturday, May 17, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 17, 2025 Text Size: Upko President and Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, emphasized that the party's struggle and people's aspirations must be reflected in government policies and impactful programs benefiting all citizens. Speaking at the Upko Kaamatan Festival in Kota Belud, he highlighted the launch of the 'Eastern Malaysia Focus Policy' through Kuskop, addressing the unique challenges in Sabah and Sarawak to ensure Borneo communities are not marginalized. Advertisement Ewon assured that his ministry is implementing initiatives tailored to Sabah and Sarawak's needs, such as entrepreneur schemes, village market premises, and craft industry financing, fulfilling Upko's mandate to represent Sabah's interests in the federal government. He stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration between federal and state governments to advance entrepreneurship and cooperatives, aiming to bring local products to international markets. On unity, Ewon called for genuine cohesion beyond slogans, reflected in government policies and programs. He also noted the Kaamatan Festival as a celebration of cultural heritage and achievements across education, careers, and entrepreneurship. Ewon proudly cited Upko's role in resolving nine of the 13 Malaysia Agreement points, marking significant progress for Sabah under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Advertisement While acknowledging remaining challenges, he urged all Malaysians, especially Sabahans and state leaders, to continue working together in unity for a better future. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
'Sabah for Sabahans' here to stay: Jeffrey
Published on: Monday, May 12, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 12, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan ( pic ) said the 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment is here to stay, rejecting Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's claim that it is divisive and counterproductive. He said Zahid's statement ignored historical facts and dismissed Sabahans' constitutional rights and political dignity as an equal partner in the formation of Malaysia under the Malaysia Agreement 1963. Jeffrey, also Star president and GRS vice-chairman, criticised the Federal Government's long-standing treatment of Sabah, citing erosion of MA63 principles, exploitation of natural resources, demographic manipulation and continued economic neglect. He added that Sabahans will no longer remain silent while Malayan political parties decide their fate, asserting the state's right to determine its own future and direction. 'Our cooperation with Putrajaya must be based on mutual respect, not subservience – Sabah is not a colony and never will be,' he said in a statement on Monday. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
