KOTA KINABALU: The Special Council on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) convened for the first time today, forming three committees that will undertake various matters deemed important for the Bornean states.
The council approved the formation of these committees which would be dealing with issues on the constitution and equal status, security and illegal immigrants, and socio-economic matters, including the implementation of the 12th Malaysia Plan.
The council comprises Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin as chairman, Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and his Sarawak counterpart Abang Johari Openg, and eight senior Cabinet ministers.
The eight include Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Minister Maximus Ongkili, who sits as secretary in the council. He is assisted by his deputy Hanifah Hajar Taib.
Also in the council are the chief secretary to the government, Sabah and Sarawak state secretaries, the attorney-generals of the federal government and the two East Malaysian states, several senior civil servants and academicians.
Ongkili said in a statement: “Members were briefed on the latest development on action taken pertaining to MA63, as well as on the decisions made by the previous Cabinet Committee.”
He said 17 of the 21 issues identified by the council had been considered in detail, and the remaining four were still under deliberation.
“Of the 17, three are considered solved, namely timber export duties and forest products for Sabah, the issue of Sipadan and Ligitan Islands in Sabah and forestry issues.
“The 14 other points, which include gas, labour, and stamp duties, need further deliberation as they involve amendments to laws and regulations.”
Ongkili, who is also Kota Marudu MP, said for now, the MA63 special committee report would not be made public as the outcome of deliberations between the state and federal governments were yet to be fully settled.
“However, the states and federal government may disclose reports or key matters agreed to by all parties,” he said.
The Cabinet had, on Sept 9, agreed to the council’s formation. It was announced by Muhyiddin during the Malaysia Day celebration in Sibu, Sarawak on Sept 16.