MELAKA: Oct 1, 2026 — University students have been urged to deepen their understanding of the history of Malaysia’s formation and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to safeguard the sovereignty rights of Sabah and Sarawak in the future.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick stressed that understanding the essence of MA63 is critical as the younger generation will inherit the responsibility of resolving rights claims still in the active negotiation phase.
“You have a voice in determining who forms the government and represents the people. That is why it is crucial for university students to understand the MA63 struggle without having to wait until they graduate,” he said.
He said this while serving as a panel member at the Borneo Student Symposium – MA63 Aspiration programme at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) yesterday, organised by the Sabah and Sarawak Students Association (PMASS).
At the programme, Ewon suggested that all university students read four foundational national documents, including the Cobbold Commission Report and the Malaysia Act 1963.
He said the move was important to enable the people to understand the true role of the Borneo territories and the special guarantees agreed upon by past leaders during the formation of the country.
On the current status of negotiations, he revealed that of the 29 matters discussed, 13 claims issues have been fully resolved by the state and Federal governments.
He added that the implementation of MA63 has a direct impact on the daily lives of Sabahans, especially in terms of education funding, rural infrastructure and the claim for 40 per cent return of Federal revenue.
The symposium was launched by Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Dato’ Dr Mohammad Yusof Apdal.
