Sabah Assemblyman Defends GRS's MA63 Progress

Published in Politics and Government on Friday, August 15th 2025 at 20:46 GMT by Free Malaysia Today
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GRS Secured Key MA63 Gains While Warisan's Claims Are Mere Rhetoric, Asserts Sabah Assemblyman

In a pointed rebuttal to recent criticisms from opposition party Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan), a prominent Sabah assemblyman has defended the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition's track record on securing rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). The assemblyman, speaking during a press conference in Kota Kinabalu, emphasized that GRS has made tangible progress in reclaiming Sabah's entitlements, dismissing Warisan's accusations as nothing more than empty political rhetoric designed to mislead voters ahead of potential elections.

The MA63, signed in 1963, forms the foundational agreement for the formation of Malaysia, incorporating the states of Sabah (then North Borneo) and Sarawak with specific safeguards for their autonomy, resource rights, and revenue sharing. Over the decades, these provisions have been a flashpoint in East Malaysian politics, with successive federal governments accused of eroding state powers through centralization. In recent years, both Sabah and Sarawak have ramped up demands for the restoration of these rights, including oil and gas revenues, territorial waters, and administrative autonomy.

According to the assemblyman, who represents a constituency in the interior of Sabah and is affiliated with a GRS component party, the coalition's achievements under the current administration are substantial and verifiable. He highlighted several key milestones secured through negotiations with the federal government. For instance, GRS has successfully pushed for the return of a portion of oil royalties to Sabah, with agreements in place that could see the state receiving up to 20% of revenues from petroleum resources extracted within its territorial boundaries. This, he argued, addresses a long-standing grievance where Sabah has historically received far less than its due share, despite contributing significantly to Malaysia's oil-dependent economy.

Furthermore, the assemblyman pointed to advancements in land and territorial rights. Under GRS's stewardship, Sabah has regained control over certain maritime zones, including fishing rights and offshore exploration permits, which were previously under federal purview. He cited the recent amendments to the Continental Shelf Act as a direct outcome of GRS-led advocacy, allowing Sabah to assert greater authority over its continental shelf. "These are not just promises on paper; they are legal and financial gains that will benefit generations of Sabahans," he stated, underscoring the economic implications for local communities reliant on marine resources.

In contrast, the assemblyman lambasted Warisan for what he described as "purely rhetorical" claims. Warisan, led by former chief minister Shafie Apdal, has repeatedly positioned itself as the true champion of MA63 rights, accusing GRS of being too compliant with Putrajaya and failing to deliver meaningful change. During Warisan's brief tenure in power from 2018 to 2020, the party initiated several high-profile campaigns, including legal challenges and public forums on MA63. However, the assemblyman contended that these efforts amounted to little more than grandstanding. "Warisan talked a big game, but where are the results? They had their chance in government, yet Sabah's rights remained stagnant. All they left behind was noise and unfulfilled pledges," he remarked.

Delving deeper into the political context, the assemblyman suggested that Warisan's criticisms stem from desperation amid shifting alliances in Sabah's volatile political landscape. Since the 2020 state election, which saw GRS form the government with support from Barisan Nasional (BN) and later Perikatan Nasional (PN), Warisan has been relegated to the opposition benches. Recent polls indicate growing public fatigue with opposition tactics, with many Sabahans prioritizing stability and economic recovery post-pandemic. The assemblyman accused Warisan of exploiting MA63 issues for electoral gain, pointing to their recent manifesto promises as recycled rhetoric without a concrete implementation plan.

He elaborated on specific examples of GRS's proactive approach. One notable achievement is the establishment of the MA63 Technical Committee, co-chaired by Sabah representatives, which has facilitated ongoing dialogues with federal authorities. Through this mechanism, GRS has secured commitments for enhanced fiscal transfers, including increased funding for infrastructure projects in rural Sabah. The assemblyman highlighted the upgrading of the Pan Borneo Highway and rural electrification initiatives as direct beneficiaries of these negotiations, arguing that such developments are evidence of GRS's commitment to equitable growth.

Moreover, on the contentious issue of immigration and border control—another pillar of MA63—GRS has made strides in advocating for Sabah's right to manage its own entry points. The assemblyman noted that recent federal concessions allow Sabah greater input in visa policies and the deportation of undocumented migrants, addressing long-standing security concerns in the state. "Warisan claims they would have done better, but their record shows otherwise. They prioritized political theater over substantive diplomacy," he added.

The assemblyman also touched on the broader implications for federal-state relations. He praised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration for its willingness to engage on MA63 matters, contrasting it with previous governments that often dismissed East Malaysian demands. However, he stressed that GRS's role as a bridge between Sabah and Putrajaya has been crucial in unlocking these gains. "Without GRS's persistent advocacy, Sabah would still be waiting. Warisan's approach was confrontational and ineffective; ours is collaborative and results-oriented," he explained.

In response to questions about potential challenges ahead, the assemblyman acknowledged that not all MA63 demands have been met, such as full restoration of the 40% revenue sharing formula originally outlined in the agreement. He committed to continued pressure on the federal government, emphasizing that GRS views MA63 as an evolving framework rather than a static document. "We are not done yet. But unlike Warisan, we don't just complain—we deliver," he asserted.

This exchange underscores the deepening rift in Sabah politics, where MA63 has become a litmus test for leadership credibility. As the state gears up for possible snap elections or the next general poll, such debates are likely to intensify. Analysts suggest that voter sentiment in Sabah increasingly favors parties that can demonstrate concrete progress over inflammatory rhetoric, potentially tilting the scales in GRS's favor.

The assemblyman's statements have sparked reactions from Warisan figures, who have vowed to counter with evidence of their own contributions. Nonetheless, this defense highlights GRS's narrative of achievement amid ongoing efforts to rectify historical imbalances in Malaysia's federation. For Sabahans, the real measure will be in sustained economic benefits and greater autonomy, areas where GRS claims to have laid a strong foundation while accusing rivals of hollow promises. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Free Malaysia Today Article at:
[ https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/08/16/grs-secured-ma63-gains-warisans-claim-purely-rhetoric-says-assemblyman ]

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Sabah Assemblyman Defends GRS's MA63 Progress

GRS Secured Key MA63 Gains While Warisan's Claims Are Mere Rhetoric, Asserts Sabah Assemblyman