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Barnama
a day ago
- Business
- Barnama
16 MA63 Demands Still Under Review
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Sixteen demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), out of 29, are still under review by the Technical Committee of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63), said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He said the demands involve issues related to education, healthcare, oil royalties, petroleum cash payments, oil minerals and fields, the Territorial Sea Act 2012 (Act 750), as well as state rights over the continental shelf. Fadillah said 13 claims have been resolved, nine under the MADANI Government and four during the previous administration. 'Among the claims resolved under the MADANI Government's administration are the recognition of the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) in Sabah and Sarawak as Technical Departments under Treasury Instruction 182 (AP182), as well as the transfer of the Electricity Regulatory Authority to the Sabah state government. "(The resolved demands) also include the amendment to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) Act 1995 to appoint representatives from the Sabah and Sarawak state governments as permanent members of the IRB, as well as amendments to the Sabah Labour Ordinance and the Sarawak Labour Ordinance,' he said during the winding up debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in the Dewan Rakyat today. Fadillah said the MTPMA63, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was established to review the demands submitted by the Sabah and Sarawak state governments, based on the legal framework and implementation of the agreed-upon claims. "The MADANI Government is fully committed to expediting the resolution of all MA63 demands. However, the timeframe for resolving each demand is subject to the relevant legal processes. '…the readiness of the Sabah and Sarawak state governments in terms of operations, human resources, and finances must also be considered before a claim under the MA63 can be resolved,' he added. On measures to reduce flood risks, Fadillah, who also serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, stated that the ministry, through JPS, has implemented structural and non-structural strategies nationwide to improve drainage systems and infrastructure.
Daily Express
10-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Reviewing laws to ensure Sabah is not left behind
Published on: Sunday, August 10, 2025 Published on: Sun, Aug 10, 2025 By: Datuk John Lo Text Size: Members of the newly-set up Council with Hajiji (centre). WHY Hajiji formed Sabah Law Reform Council? CM Datuk Seri Hajiji is the first CM to initiate the formation of Sabah Law Reform Council. A comprehensive law reform for Sabah is long overdue. All well managed countries undertake law reforms and updates to stay relevant, effective, just and economically competitive especially in the rapidly changing environment of AI/high tech and turbulent global economy. The focus of this article will be on economic factors relevant to Sabah. Advertisement Restructuring and turning around Sabah's 40 years of stunted economic growth, by itself, has been a super complex and difficult task for Hajiji since Oct 2020. No one can or will be able to turn around the economy within a short time. Those who claim they can, are not telling the truth. The challenge to restructure Sabah's economy is made much more difficult by Sabah's many outdated and inappropriate laws. It is fortunate for Sabah that Hajiji has the foresight to form the Sabah Law Reform Council to look into, inter-alia: [1] Sabah has many laws that are antiquated and obsolete, some from far back to the British Chartered Company and the British Colonial Government. Many of these laws have become hindrance to Sabah's economic development. Advertisement [2] Identifying these out-dated laws will be an erroneous task. [3] Sabah has very few laws for Sabah to facilitate progress in the 21st century. [4] Sabah needs some new laws urgently. Example 1: Hajiji's most important economic initiative for Sabah is the Blue Economy. It will require considerable legal brains to produce new laws/regulations to implement it. Example 2: Sabah does not have a holistic Agriculture Enactment to facilitate the development of agriculture. Example 3: Sabah needs new laws to establish new sources of revenues. [5] Sabah must use the best legal brains on matters pertaining to Sabah's constitutional rights. [i] The complex Sabah/Federal relationship, especially Sabah rights under MA63 and their never-ending procrastinations in implementations [40% revenue]. [ii] Sabah's rights as 1/3 partner in Malaysia, on matters pertaining to the protection of Sabah interests in federal policy decisions and their implementations. [iii] Review and monitor laws already passed or to be passed by Parliament that affect Sabah's interest like TSA 2012 [Territorial Sea Act 2012]. [vi] Ensure that Sabah's interest is not left out in all Federal Laws, present and future. 2. The Sabah Law Reform Council is non-political. Its member are highly respected Lawyers. Most wise. Hajiji's first pre-requisite was that The Sabah Law Reform Council should be non-political and free from political interference. Reforming Sabah's laws is hard work by professionals, not a political game for politicians. The formation of the Sabah Law Reform Council is the collaborative efforts of Tan Sri David Wong and SEAC [Sabah Economic Advisory Council] under the guidance/supervision of AG Datuk Brenndon Soh. It is highly significant and profound that Hajiji has appointed Tan Sri David Wong as the founding chairman of the Sabah Law Reform Council. He is eminently qualified. He has years of experience in private practice, then joined the bench and elevated to be Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak from July 2018 to February 2020. His career in private practice and the bench will give valuable leadership and perspective for the Sabah Law Reform Council. The council members are [1] Datuk Daniel Tan, [2] Datuk John Sikayun, [3] Dr. David Fung, [4] Datuk Roger Chin and [5] Shakinur Ain Karama. All five are highly respected senior Sabahan lawyers, non-political and Sabahans through and through. Tan Sri David is also the founding Chairman of BICAM [Borneo International Centre for Arbitrations and Mediations] which will play a key role in the development of KK as a regional commercial hub. The Sabah Law Reform Council and AG Brenndon will form a formidable team of legal experts. It has already got on to a flying start. They have already completed an important amendment of the Land Ordinance with the inclusion of 'indefeasibility of title' under the Torrent system. The Dun has passed this amendment in its sitting in April 2025. 3. Hajiji is First CM to Implement 'Open Government' by Seeking Advisories from Professionals, Young Sabahans and Private Sectors Stakeholders. Never done before by any CM. Hajiji formed SEAC [Sabah Economic Advisory Council, SYBIL [Sabah Young Business and Industry Leaders] and SPC [Sabah Professional Council]. SYBIL has been contributing policy inputs and encouragement/assistance to young Sabahan returnees from overseas. Sabah has 5000+ Sabahan professionals. For 'Sabah for Sabahans' policy, Masidi has instructed all GLCs to engage Sabah-based accountants for their financial service requirements. JTU will only accept survey submissions from Sabah based surveyors. Significantly, Hajiji has asked DSP Lim Haw Kuang for advice on oil and gas which has since become a major industry. Lim Haw Kuang is also advisor to SMJ Energy which is very profitable and has become a RM5 billion GLC within 3 years. 4. The Formation of The Sabah Law Reform Council Will Enhance Investors' Confidence in Sabah. One of the most crucial aspects that investors look for are functioning legal system and transparent governance. The fact that Hajiji has initiated the formation of this council is an important positive message for investors. With the appointment of Tan Sri David as the Chairman and his highly respected council members by Hajiji can only reinforce investors' confidence further. 5. Hajiji's Formation of Sabah Law Reform Council is a Continuation of His Policy of 'Open Government'. Formation of the Sabah Law Reform Council is a major milestone in Hajiji's open government policy. In our 'Westminster' style of parliamentary system, the rule of law is paramount. Updating and reforming our laws should therefore be of utmost priority. The work by Sabah Law Reform Council will create enormous beneficial impacts for future generations of Sabahans. 6. Why is Hajiji's 'Open Government' important? Hajiji's initiative to form SEAC, SYBIL, SPC and now Sabah Law Reformation Council is a very important aspect of 'open government'. Here are some reasons: [1] Previous governments have practised 'closed government' or 'top-down government. No or little avenue for non-politicians, professionals and young Sabahans to contribute to decision making. 'Closed government' belongs to the old era, grossly outdated. 'Closed door' produce 'in-breeding'. Very unhealthy. [2] Hajiji's 'open government' gives opportunities for outstanding Sabahan professionals [like Lim Haw Kuang in oil and gas and SDB, David Wong, members of SLRC in law reform, James Wong in nurturing young business leaders] to contribute ideas and management expertise for the betterment of Sabah. [3] Hajiji's 'open government' will attract many more highly qualify, perfectly capable Sabahans within Sabah, in W Malaysia, Singapore and overseas to volunteer their time and ideas. [4] Hajiji's 'open government' will promote 'inclusivity' in policy decisions and their implementations. [5] Hajiji's 'open government' will improve quality of policy outputs. [6] Hajiji's 'open government' has improved governance and management of GLCs/ agencies like SMJ Energy, ECoS, SDB and Sabah Credit Corporation. [7] Hajiji's 'open government' will promote transparency, best practices in governance and prevent financial and resource leakages. [8] Hajiji's 'open government' is the best and quickest way to pass on the benefits of 'Sabah for Sabahans' policy to Sabahans. 7. Hajiji's Formation of The Sabah Law Reform Council is an act of statesmanship in furtherance of 'Sabah for Sabahans' policy objectives for the benefits of Sabahans. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
New Straits Times
05-08-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Govt disbursed RM4bil in 'wang ehsan' to Terengganu, RM967mil to Kelantan
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has distributed a total of RM4 billion in compassionate funds, or 'wang ehsan', to Terengganu and RM967 million to Kelantan between 2023 and 2025. The Finance Ministry said these funds were used to cover emolument costs for both state governments, implement poverty eradication and infrastructure projects, and fulfil other commitments. "To date, no petroleum resources have been 'won or saved' within the waters of Kelantan or Terengganu. "All resources off the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia are located beyond the three-nautical-mile limit under the Territorial Sea Act 2012 (Act 750)," the ministry said. It said this in response to Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN–Pengkalan Chepa), who asked about the status of petroleum royalty payments to Kelantan and Terengganu, including the justification for channelling them through federal entities and whether the government is prepared to restructure the policy for greater transparency and alignment with the 1975 Petroleum Agreement. The ministry explained that petroleum royalties are only paid directly to states for resources found and extracted within their three-nautical-mile territorial waters, in accordance with Act 750. However, the federal government has disbursed compassionate funds to the Kelantan and Terengganu governments to fund projects and programmes benefiting the people of both states. "Wang ehsan is specifically allocated to Kelantan and Terengganu and is not used for expenditure in other states. "The federal government has also provided allocations through federal agencies, such as the Prime Minister's Department's Implementation Coordination Unit and the Public Works Department, to carry out poverty eradication and infrastructure projects for the people of both states," it added. The ministry said the government remains open to discussions and willing to consider proposals from the Kelantan and Terengganu governments for programmes and projects to be funded under the wang ehsan grant, especially efforts aimed at reducing poverty and improving basic infrastructure.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Tackle Sabah's issues instead of bickering over seats, SAPP tells parties
KOTA KINABALU: As political parties scramble for seats ahead of the Sabah state election, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) has called them out for seeming to ignore issues affecting the people. The party said voters deserve to hear concrete plans on autonomy, land reforms, and Sabah's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) – not just endless negotiations over who gets to contest where. SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said many Sabahans, himself included, still have no idea what some political parties and leaders are fighting for. ALSO READ: Sabah polls: State parties risk becoming 'dogs chasing cars', says SAPP president 'So far, the politicians talk only about seats, seats and more seats. How about talking about the issues for the coming Sabah elections? "Don't be like dogs chasing cars without any idea of what to do after catching up with the car," he reiterated in a statement on Tuesday (May 27). Yong, who was Sabah chief minister from 1996 to 1998, asked if these parties were willing to take firm stands on issues in the state, such as issuing Sabah identity cards to bona fide Malaysian citizens and the demand for Labuan to be returned to Sabah. He also highlighted the lack of political will to fight for the restoration of one-third of parliamentary seat representation to Sabah and Sarawak, saying this was fundamental to restoring balance within the federation. He further criticised the silence of major political blocs, including those in Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional, on the 40% net revenue entitlement and the Territorial Sea Act 2012. ALSO READ: Introduce a 'Sabah IC' to settle citizenship issues for good, says ex-CM Yong 'Which party will fearlessly champion that the 40% net revenue claim is RM2.6bil per annum?' he asked. Yong also questioned the continued reliance on Peninsular Malaysian companies for infrastructure and services in Sabah. 'Is Sabah so incapable of making simple things like kiosks? What do we have KKIP (Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park) for?' he said. He urged political leaders to stop treating Sabah as a battleground for seats and instead prove they are serious about reforms that matter to ordinary Sabahans.
Borneo Post
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
SAPP slams Sabah PH-BN over ‘negotiation excuse'
KOTA KINABALU (May 15): Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Supreme Council member cum Vice Youth chief Yong Yit Jee has slammed Sabah's PH-BN coalition for their silence on oil and gas lawsuits, while Sarawak aggressively challenges federal laws – dismissing UPKO/PBRS' claims of securing Sabah's rights as empty rhetoric. 'While Sarawak fights tooth and nail in court, Sabah PH-BN hides behind the excuse of 'good relations' as our resources get plundered,' Yong said, detailing how the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA1974) and Territorial Sea Act 2012 (TSA2012) have systematically eroded Sabah and Sarawak's MA63 rights. The criticism comes amid Sabah NGO SABAR's landmark legal challenge against TSA2012 – a case that the Sabah State Government through Chief Minister has confirmed that Sabah does not recognise TSA2012. 'UPKO and PBRS claim to be bridges to Putrajaya? More like pipelines draining Sabah's wealth straight to Kuala Lumpur,' Yong, a lawyer, fired. Despite UPKO and PBRS boasting about resolving 13 MA63 issues, Yong retorted: 'Sarawak sues while Sabah PH-BN settles for empty smiles at negotiation tables.' The SAPP leader specifically called out UPKO's federal minister Datuk Ewon Benedick: 'No effort to amend PDA1974 in Cabinet. No sign of the 40% revenue formula promised by July 2024. We're now in May 2025 – where's the formula? where's our money?' referencing Ewon's September 2023 announcement. Yong challenged UPKO and PBRS to prove their commitment by pressuring the federal government to drop its appeal against the Sabah Law Society's case on Sabah's 40% revenue rights. SAPP, with a decades-long record of fighting PDA1974, TSA2012 and for the 40% tax revenue – including opposing the giveaway of oil-rich Blocks L and M to Brunei – now demands Sabah PH-BN declare their true allegiance: 'Will they remain federal puppets, or finally stand with Sarawak to reclaim Sabah's full MA63 rights?' Ewon and PBRS president Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup have recently issued a joint statement stating that as members of the current national political coalition, their parties see themselves as 'Sabah's bridge to Putrajaya,' working alongside other parties to consistently raise key issues affecting the state, including the MA63. 'The 'Sabah First' struggle requires cooperation among all political parties in the state. This must be achieved through wise and consultative engagement between the federal and state governments, not through confrontation,' they said. Ewon and Arthur added that both UPKO and PBRS have raised numerous Sabah-related issues through their coalition platforms, including at the Cabinet level which they said has proven effective, with nine MA63-related demands fulfilled under the current federal government, while four were resolved under the previous administration.
