Sabah gets RM1.5b MA63 boost, Anwar hints Sarawak could be next by Sept 16
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced an interim RM1.5 billion allocation for Sabah under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Discussions are also underway to establish a formula for Sarawak's financial arrangements, with an announcement expected by Malaysia Day.
Why it matters
These financial adjustments are central to federal-state relations in Malaysia and the fulfillment of historical constitutional agreements.
KOTA KINABALU, Sept 11 — The interim allocation for Sabah will immediately rise to RM1.5 billion this year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said this in reply to a request from Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor during the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council meeting (MTPMA63) press conference here.
Anwar pointed out the payment is an interim measure and that negotiations would continue, taking into account the country’s financial position, as provided for in the original agreement.
“However, if the increase is too small, it may be disputed. So, we will wait for Parliament in October to table the paper and then disburse the RM1.5 billion this year as well, perhaps at the end of October or early November,” he stated.
Hajiji had earlier, on behalf of the Sabah state government, also requested the settlement of the 40 per cent payment to Sabah.
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