Dedicated Sabah–Sarawak Ministry Portfolio Expected to Boost MA63 Implementation-Shahelmey

27 January 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: The re-establishment of a ministerial portfolio dedicated specifically to Sabah and Sarawak, following the recent Madani Cabinet reshuffle, is expected to have a positive impact on the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Putatan Member of Parliament Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya said the move has been highly anticipated, particularly in relation to longstanding issues concerning the execution of MA63.

He expressed hope that the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs), now led by a representative from Sabah, would bring meaningful progress to the implementation of the agreement.

Shahelmey noted that strong cooperation between the Federal and State Governments would significantly influence the success of MA63 implementation, especially within the context of the country’s current harmonious climate.

“As a Member of Parliament from Sabah, Putatan expresses its deep appreciation for His Majesty’s concern regarding the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“Indeed, the re-establishment of a portfolio specifically responsible for Sabah and Sarawak affairs following the Madani Cabinet reshuffle at the end of last December is expected to have a positive impact on the implementation of MA63.

“We hope that the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs), now led by the Member of Parliament for Sepanggar, will be able to steer all necessary efforts and strategic plans to finalise each matter under MA63 in a clear and structured manner, grounded in the principles of the Federal Constitution,” he said.

He added that the Kota Kinabalu High Court decision on 17 October 2025 concerning the review of Sabah’s Special Grant rate could help pave the way towards formulating a fixed and fair rate for the state’s Special Grant.

Shahelmey made these remarks during the debate on the Motion of Thanks for the Royal Address at the first sitting of the Fifth Session of Parliament in the Dewan Rakyat here today.

Meanwhile, apart from MA63, he also highlighted two other issues during his debate, namely the National Education Policy 2035 and delays in the completion of federal development projects in Sabah.

“On education policy, I raised concerns that school dropouts remain a persistent problem that requires a comprehensive and conclusive solution from the Ministry of Education.

“As for development in Sabah, Putatan highlighted delays in the completion of development projects and called on the relevant ministries to provide detailed timelines and updates on their implementation status,” he added.