Bukit Assek rep slams calls to scrap MA63, vows Sarawak will firmly defend state rights
by Philip Wong · Borneo Post OnlineSIBU (Feb 28): Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng has strongly condemned recent remarks by certain politicians from Peninsular Malaysia who openly called for the cancellation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), describing such calls as an attack on the foundation of the nation.
Chieng said MA63 is not a political slogan to be manipulated at will, but the foundational contract upon which Malaysia was formed and the legal basis for Sarawak and Sabah joining the Federation as founding partners.
“Anyone who attempts to undermine MA63 is undermining the foundation of the nation, anyone who denies MA63 is denying historical facts and anyone who advocates abolishing MA63 is tearing apart the trust between the people of East and West Malaysia,” he added.
Chieng was speaking at the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Chinese New Year celebration held here on Saturday.
Under MA63, Chieng said Sarawak joined Malaysia as a founding partner, not as a subordinate state.
He said Sarawak’s territorial boundaries, seabed and rights over natural resources are supported by historical and legal foundations.
Recently, the Sarawak government had filed a case in the Federal Court seeking a ruling on the constitutional validity and applicability in Sarawak of three federal laws – the Petroleum Development Act 1974, the Continental Shelf Act 1966 and the Petroleum Mining Act 1966.
Chieng said this move is to clarify rights and responsibilities through judicial channels within the constitutional framework.
“This is not confrontation, but principle; not emotion, but position.”
Seeking judicial clarification of the legal framework, he added, is intended to uphold the spirit of the Constitution, safeguard the rights of the people of Sarawak, establish a clear regulatory structure for the oil and gas industry, enhance investor confidence, promote long-term economic development and ensure that future generations retain development space that rightfully belongs to Sarawak.
“Sarawak’s rights are enshrined in agreements, the Constitution, and historical documents—they are not handouts, but contractual rights in black and white.
“Those who insist on MA63 are not the ones creating division but those who attempt to tear it up are.”
Chieng said the whole nation must be made to understand that only by respecting agreements can a country have dignity, only by respecting founding partners can the Federation remain stable and only by respecting Sarawak and Sabah can Malaysia become stronger.
Earlier, he said the celebration was not only held to celebrate the festive season but also to unite faith and consolidate strength at a critical moment.
Chieng stressed that the priority is to unite Sarawakians and strengthen local political forces, adding that Sarawak’s future must be in the hands of Sarawakians.
“For a long time, local-based parties have upheld Sarawak’s interests, safeguarded state rights, promoted economic development, and preserved a diverse and harmonious social structure.
“We must win the people’s trust with rationality, results, and firm principles as well as support resolving disputes according to law, support safeguarding state rights through constitutional mechanisms, and support strengthening local forces through unity.”