KUCHING, Sept 16 2026 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is a national pledge that must be respected and carried through, warning that the matter will not be settled if it continues to be treated as an issue only for Sabah and Sarawak.
Speaking at the national-level 2026 Malaysia Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Anwar said MA63 was a solemn promise made by the country’s earlier leaders to strengthen the federation.
“We have made a promise. Our forefathers (leaders) decided to strengthen this bond (Malaysia). Therefore, we must take seriously the examination and review of all the decisions we made in the past,” he said.
“And I need to state that this issue (MA63) is unlikely to be resolved as long as some of our friends in the Peninsula believe that MA63 is only a matter for Sabah and Sarawak.”
The guest of honour was Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. Also present were Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Anwar said nine issues linked to MA63 have been resolved under the MADANI Government. These include recognising the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) in both Sabah and Sarawak as technical departments, and appointing permanent representatives from the two states to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).
He said the federal government had also handed over electricity regulatory powers to Sabah and transferred Bintulu Port to Sarawak.
“Resolving these matters requires good cooperation between the state governments and the federal government. If Sarawak prospers, it brings prosperity to Malaysia as well,” he said.
“So, when Bintulu Port belongs to Sarawak, it remains a vital port for Malaysia; I view it from that perspective — this is a pledge for Malaysia. It represents shared interests and shared wealth.”
The celebration, themed Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati, was held indoors at BCCK after cross-border haze disrupted outdoor plans. About 5,000 people attended.
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