AMK Sarawak demands apology from Zaid over ‘burden’ remarks on Sabah, S’wak

MIRI (Nov 27): The Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) Sarawak has called for a public apology from former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim for his recent podcast comments, which allegedly questioned the relevance of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and described Sabah and Sarawak as “burdens” to the federation.

AMK Sarawak chief Azlan Norita condemned the remarks as ‘deeply offensive and historically ignorant’, stating that they exposed a profound misunderstanding of the nation’s foundation.

“Zaid’s statement is not only shallow and insulting, but it also exposes his lack of understanding of how Malaysia was formed,” Azlan said.

“As a former de facto law minister, he (Zaid) should know that MA63 is an international treaty and the very foundation of modern Malaysia.

“It is not something to be mocked or casually dismissed,” he said.

In the podcast, Zaid was reported to have argued that fulfilling Sabah and Sarawak’s rights under MA63 – including the 40 per cent net revenue return – would place a significant financial strain on the federal government.

Zaid had further suggested that the two states “should be allowed to go” if they were dissatisfied.

Such ‘disrespectful’ remarks, Azlan said, only reflected how ignorant one is toward Sabah and Sarawak and their significant contributions to the country’s economy.

“Sabah and Sarawak have fuelled Malaysia’s development for decades through oil, gas and natural resources,” he countered.

“If anyone has been burdened, it is the people of Sabah and Sarawak who have endured decades of uneven development caused by unfair federal policies.”

Azlan emphasised that the rights enshrined in MA63 are non-negotiable and must not be treated as political tools.

“The rights under MA63, whether autonomy, revenue or equal partner status, are not bargaining chips.

“They are constitutional guarantees. No politician should use them for cheap publicity,” he noted.

Azlan warned that undermining the historic agreement threatens the nation’s integrity.

“Any attempt to undermine MA63 crosses the line and threatens the integrity of our federation, and this kind of arrogance only widens the gap between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.”

Reiterating AMK Sarawak’s commitment, he pledged to continue pushing for the full implementation of MA63.

“We will not compromise on our rights. The people of Sabah and Sarawak deserve what was promised to them in 1963.”

AMK Angkatan Muda Keadilan burden Datuk Zaid Ibrahim MA63 Sabah Sarawak