LAHAD DATU, May 28 — Tungku Assemblyman Assaffal P. Alian welcomed the proposal to establish a bipartisan committee under the Sabah Legislative Assembly to examine the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), describing it as a meaningful step for the people of Sabah.

Assaffal said the suggestion by Kiulu Assemblyman Joniston Bangkuai reflected a shared commitment to protect Sabah’s constitutional position beyond political lines.

He said the move demonstrated that matters concerning Sabah’s rights and future remained a common priority for leaders across the political divide.

At the same time, Assaffal stressed that the committee should be supported by a clear technical framework to ensure discussions were grounded in law and supported by facts.

He said a key priority should be a detailed review of Federal Gazette L.N. 199/1965 [Modification of Laws (Declaration of Federal Present Laws) (Sabah) Order 1965.

According to Assaffal, the order declared 120 Sabah laws, including those involving state revenue, labour and natural resources such as the Petroleum Ordinance 1960 and the Customs Ordinance, as federal laws.

Assaffal said the committee should examine whether the legal changes introduced at the time remained relevant today and whether the changes have eroded Sabah’s autonomy powers which should be protected under MA63.

“This is not about the 40 per cent revenue, but about restoring powers that have been federalised since April 16, 1965,” he said in a statement.

Assaffal also proposed a 60-day timeline for the committee to submit its preliminary report to keep the process focused and to match the expectations of Sabahans who are increasingly informed about MA63 and looking forward to steady progress. 

He also called for closer cooperation with Sarawak, which is also under the similar order L.N. 200/1965, noting that Sabah and Sarawak, as founding territories of Malaysia, would carry greater weight when speaking with one voice on constitutional matters.

“Any findings from the committee should be tabled in the Sabah Legislative Assembly as an official motion to provide a firm legislative mandate.

Sabah Members of Parliament including Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis should be mobilised in the Dewan Rakyat as the official voice of Sabahans,” he said.

Assaffal said MA63 was a foundational agreement in the formation of Malaysia and deserved fair and continued attention in line with its original spirit.

He said Parti Warisan remained ready to work with all parties to support efforts aimed at strengthening Sabah’s rights as outlined before Malaysia was formed. — Daily Express