Realising the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) remains on the top of Sabah and Sarawak leaders' wishlist for Malaysia Day this year.

They believe the fulfillment of the conditions in MA63 would pave the way to even better relations between the Borneo states and the federal government.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam said measures to fulfil the commitments made under MA63 should be based on the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report.

The demands sought by Sabah and Sarawak include the restoration of 35 per cent of the 222 parliamentary seats for East Malaysia, oil and gas royalty and 40 per cent share of all revenue earned from the two states.  

"I would like the federal government to expedite development in Sabah, especially road connectivity in rural areas.

"Improve dilapidated schools, health infrastructure and Internet connectivity," said Dr Joachim, who is Parti Bersatu Sabah deputy president and Kundasang assemblyman.

For Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai Malaysia Day is a reminder to the people of their sense of belonging.

"Today, it reminds us of the development that has given us benefits as citizens of Malaysia for 59 years.

"We hope issues related to the equal partnership between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia will be given attention by the government.

"The government has to continue to prioritise issues that are important to Sabah. Let us continue to defend the sovereignty of Sabah," said Joniston, who is Kiulu assemblyman. 

Sabah Pakatan Harapan chief Datuk Christina Liew echoed Dr Joachim's and Joniston's aspirations.

Liew, who is Api-Api assemblyman and Tawau member of parliament, said it was regrettable that Sabah still lagged behind in terms of economy and development, with a poverty rate of 19.5 per cent compared with the national average of 5.6 per cent, as revealed in the Dewan Rakyat in March.

"My greatest aspiration is for the federal government to fulfil the 40 per cent special grant to Sabah without reservation. This is vital for the state's post-Covid-19 economic recovery, poverty eradication and regaining its prosperity and position as the second richest state after Selangor.

"Do not deprive us of our constitutional right to this entitlement. The people of Sabah deserve fair, just and equitable treatment so that we can stand tall as Malaysians with the rest of Keluarga Malaysia.

"This concept must be translated into tangible results and
not remain a mere slogan. No community in our diverse society should be marginalised," said the former deputy chief minister.

Meanwhile, Sarawak leaders hoped the federal government would pay more attention to the needs and rights of the people of the state.

Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB) senior vice-president, said negotiations between the federal and Sarawak governments on various matters, including MA63, should be completed soon.

"This Malaysia Day, I am hopeful the rights and best interests of Sarawak which are still under negotiation, such as MA63, can be completed soon for the common good.

"My gratitude also goes to the federal government for approving the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road Phase 2 project and the Trans-Borneo Highway Project.

"As Sarawak is my home state, I am hopeful that all the ongoing infrastructure projects, such as Phase 1 of the Pan-Borneo Highway in Sarawak which is 86 per cent complete, and other infrastructure projects soon to be implemented will spur economic growth."

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alex-ander Nanta Linggi called for fairness in safeguarding the interest of the state.

"We want to be treated fairly and justly, as what was promised to us before we formed Malaysia.

"I applaud the federal government's commitment to looking into the total number of representatives for Sabah and Sarawak in Parliament, bringing it to a little more than one third, which is a significant move and important, especially in the spirit of equal partnership under the Federation of Malaysia and in accordance with MA63."

Nanta, who is PBB secretary-general said, Malaysia was built on a foundation that not only wields promises but which could also offer plenty.

"I believe our forefathers and we, too, want a united and developed Malaysia. We want Malaysians who are colour blind to skin colour. We all want Malaysia to be a country that we can be proud of, where we can live comfortably.

"Don't dwell on our differences. Turn our differences into our strength."