Pm Says Ma63 Issues Will Be Resolved Announces Over Rm9bil Allocation For Sabah And Sarawak

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KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government is committed to resolving issues with Sabah and Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“The government gives the assurance that it will resolve issues that needs to be settled through negotiations,” he said in his speech to mark the 58th Malaysia Day national celebrations here.

He said the issues affecting both Sabah and Sarawak will be resolved through negotiations under the Special Council on MA63 that is chaired by him, and involves the Chief Ministers of Sabah and Sarawak together with eight federal ministers.

He said resolving the issues of equal partnership raised by Sabah and Sarawak was an important factor in achieving the goals of the Malaysian Family.

“Every time Malaysia Day comes around, the issues of equal partners are always raised.

“The government, through the council, promises to look into the issues raised by Sabah and Sarawak,” said Ismail Sabri, who made his first trip to Sabah as Prime Minister on Thursday (Sept 16).

“Our efforts have shown that the government is committed to paying attention to various issues of importance faced by Sabah and Sarawak, despite both states being separated by the South China Sea.

“Our efforts to ensure success in resolving issues is through tolerance and are provided for in the Constitution,” he said at the celebration, which were attended by Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Seri Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.

The Prime Minister also disclosed that Sabah and Sarawak will receive over RM9bil for the development programmes under the first rolling plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan this year, which will be tabled in Parliament on Sept 27.

He said RM4.66bil has been allocated for Sabah and RM4.47bil for Sarawak as part of the shared prosperity goals of the government.

“The allocations for Sabah and Sarawak are among the highest compared to other states,” he said, adding that it was a reflection of the commitment of the government to help Sabah and Sarawak improve the economy for the people.

He expressed confidence that Hajiji and his counterpart in Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg are always listening to the needs of the people on the ground and working hard to seek solutions.

He said steps were being taken by the government for economic recovery that had been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ismail Sabri said focus would also be carried out on improving amenities and infrastructure across the country including Sabah and Sarawak, adding that the digital connectivity via Jendela 2021 until 2025 will also be expanded to embrace 5G technology.

A total of RM7.7bil have been allocated for the development of 5G technology in the two states over the next five years.

“No one will be left behind, everyone will have access to the digital world, and everyone must be connected,” he said, adding that it would benefit over six million Malaysians in the two states.

Here is the PM's speech in full: SPEECH-Star

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