Discussions on MA63 Claims Not a Sign of Submission

2 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government’s approach of opting for discussions in pursuing the claims under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) should not be misconstrued as an act of submission. Instead, it reflects the wisdom of the state leadership in ensuring that Sabah’s rights are fulfilled comprehensively and effectively.

Pro–Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) political activist Aksyah Haji Nasrah said that the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, has repeatedly emphasised that the MA63 claims are being implemented and are currently under discussion with the Federal Government.

According to him, the term “discussion” has often been twisted by certain parties to create the impression that the Chief Minister is not firm and is submissive to leadership in Peninsular Malaysia.

“Such allegations are merely cheap political capital that bring no benefit whatsoever. In fact, they could disrupt ongoing efforts to ensure that the MA63 claims are implemented in phases and in a comprehensive manner,” he said in a statement today.

Aksyah expressed confidence that the Federal Government would eventually settle the full amount of the outstanding claims dating back almost five decades. However, he noted that the process must take into account the current financial position of the federal administration as well as various other technical considerations.

He said that, for these reasons, discussions and finalisation are necessary to ensure that the payment of the claims is carried out accurately, systematically and realistically.

“This approach is not a weakness; rather, it reflects the administrative maturity of the Sabah Government in managing the state’s rights as a founding partner in the formation of Malaysia,” he said.

In this regard, he urged the people of Sabah not to be confused or influenced by provocative demands that attempt to portray the State Government as being submissive to the political manoeuvring of certain parties.

Aksyah also stressed that the MA63 claims would be implemented as soon as possible, but must go through a fair process based on a win-win principle between the State Government and the Federal Government.

“Who does not want their rights to be fulfilled? The reality is that the State Government under the leadership of Hajiji and GRS is in great need of funds to accelerate the implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 roadmap, which begins this year,” he said.

He added that stability in relations and prudent discussions between both sides are key to ensuring that these historic claims are realised without jeopardising Sabah’s long-term interests.

Aksyah also called on all parties to pray that the discussion process proceeds smoothly and that the payment of the MA63 claims can be initiated in the near future.