MA63 Must Be Fully Resolved: Bobbey Suan

28 February 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) must be comprehensively and courageously resolved before the upcoming General Election to ensure that the rights of Sabah and Sarawak continue to be safeguarded within the Federation framework, emphasised Senator Datuk Bobbey Suan.

He stated that, after five years of repeated issues raised in Parliament and the Dewan Negara, the time has come to reach a definitive decision in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s call for matters relating to territorial rights to be settled holistically and harmoniously.

According to him, MA63 is the foundation of Malaysia’s formation, uniting Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak into a sovereign Federation.

Therefore, territorial rights as enshrined in the Federal Constitution must be respected and implemented responsibly.

“Any differences of opinion concerning MA63 should be resolved maturely through institutional negotiations and legal channels, with the Federal Government adopting an open, professional, and constructive approach for national unity,” he said while debating the Royal Address in the Dewan Negara on Thursday.

On the issue of petroleum, he remarked that although it is not explicitly stated in the MA63 text, it remains closely related to the framework of power and revenue sharing between the Federation and the states.

“Sabah and Sarawak are major contributors to the country’s oil and gas industry. When this issue is raised, it is not a threat to the Federation but a rightful claim that should be negotiated maturely and within a structured framework,” he added.

He also referred to the stance of the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, who insisted that the implementation of 40% of the Federation’s net revenue to Sabah must be carried out in accordance with Articles 112C and 112D and Schedule Ten of the Federal Constitution.

He said this demand is based on principles of fiscal justice and equitable development, especially as Sabah continues to face basic challenges such as water supply, electricity, and road infrastructure.

In addition to MA63, Bobbey emphasised the importance of strengthening integrity, alongside tackling digital security threats including cybercrime and online scams, which are increasingly concerning and directly impact rakyat’s welfare.

On security matters, Bobbey said current threats are no longer limited to physical borders but are becoming more serious in the digital realm, including the spread of false information, manipulation of ‘deepfake’ technology, extremism, and cybercrime.

He pointed out that cases of online scams and activities of scammers are increasingly worrying, with many rakyat losing savings due to the cunning tactics of criminal syndicates.

He urged the government to strengthen cybercrime laws and take firm, uncompromising action, including considering bankruptcy penalties and mandatory imprisonment for convicted offenders.

Furthermore, Bobbey proposed proactive measures such as expanding digital and financial literacy at grassroots levels, establishing a rapid response centre for immediate freezing of suspicious accounts, and enhancing cooperation between banks, telecommunications companies, and enforcement agencies to dismantle syndicate networks in a more integrated manner.

“Digital security today is part of national security. We cannot allow rakyat to continue becoming victims,” he said.

In another development, Bobbey touched on the controversy surrounding the proposal to open an Indian consulate in Sabah, which he said should be viewed rationally and based on facts.

He stated that, in international diplomatic practice, establishing consulates is common to facilitate trade, investment, education, tourism, and citizen welfare.

He also stressed that the strategic need for opening a Philippine consulate should be considered, given the large number of Filipino nationals in Sabah and various issues related to documentation and social matters that require official resolution through government-to-government channels.

He called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs to openly explain the rationale, scope of functions, and implications of opening the consulate to prevent misunderstandings and unfounded negative perceptions.

Concluding his speech, he said the Royal Address calls for ongoing commitment to institutional reform, strengthening integrity, ensuring security, and responsibly implementing the spirit of MA63.

“Only when power is managed with integrity, institutions are strengthened without favouritism, rakyat are protected from new threats, and justice is applied evenly between the Federation and the states will the country truly progress,” he concluded.