“MA63, it must be stressed, is an International Agreement signed by the governments of the United Kingdom, Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya.”
He added that Prime Minister Najib Razak has agreed MA63 should also be discussed in the second phase of negotiations between the Sarawak and Federal Governments on devolution of administration powers. “MA63 cannot be revoked just because Singapore left. Federal legislation cannot impinge on Sarawak’s rights.”
“MA63 cannot be amended either through the Federal Constitution. It’s above the Federal Constitution. That’s why we object to being called the 13th state (Sabah the 12th). The issue of being the 13th state doesn’t arise.”
He recalled that MA63 was originally dated August 31, 1963 and when the date had to be changed to September 16, 1963, all the five governments concerned had to come together again and amend the Agreement. “This shows that MA63 cannot be simply amended. The governments concerned have to come together again and agree.”
“It also shows that Sarawak was a sovereign state in 1963 when it joined the other governments to amend MA63 to read 16 September 1963 instead of 31 August 1963.”
Adenan was commenting, at the old state assembly complex, on media speculation on his possible successor since he had said that he only wanted one term, five years, after which he would “retire and play with his grandchildren”. “I will lead the negotiations for Sarawak with the Federal Government.”
“It’s a bit too early to speak about a successor when you are still at the beginning.”
He said, on a lighter tone, that he “was still alive”. He went on nevertheless to assure that the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) caucus, consisting of elected representatives and Senators, would chose the party’s next leader. “The caucus is still relevant.”
Switching back to the five years ahead, Adenan reiterated “You Ain Seen Nothing Yet”, the tagline on billboards erected across the state. “That’s American. It means that I want to do much more for Sarawak in the next five years.”