15/07/2025

TUESDAY | JULY 15, 2025

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King leads palace staff on brisk walk

‘Decision on Sabah’s revenue claim expected by Sept 16’ KOTA KINABALU: A decision on Sabah’s 40% revenue claim under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is expected to be finalised before the Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16. Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the Sabah government had submitted proposed solutions regarding the long-standing claim during a special meeting of the Technical Committee under the MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63), held at Menara Kinabalu yesterday. Fadillah said each proposal would be presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ahead of the next MTPMA63 meeting, scheduled for Sept 12 in Kuala Lumpur. “At that meeting, we will determine the appropriate course of action, whether an interim solution or otherwise, as we must also consider the ongoing court case filed by the Sabah Law Society regarding the 40% revenue claim. “In legal terms, there are limitations that prevent us from finalising a solution without a decision from the court. However, what we are seeking is a resolution outside the court’s jurisdiction,” he said after chairing the committee meeting. Also present at the meeting were Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick. – Bernama Dual events to generate RM2b in investments KUALA LUMPUR: The upcoming International Architecture, Interior Design and Building Exhibition (Archidex) and Asean Real Estate Conference (Arec) 2025 are expected to generate RM2 billion in investments, positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for sustainable urban innovation. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the events, to be held later this month at Mitec and KLCC respectively, will attract over 56,000 visitors from 110 countries. “These platforms drive economic growth, spark regional collaboration and promote future-ready urban development,”he said, noting RM1 billion was transacted at last year’s edition. Archidex 2025, held under the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival, will run from July 21 to 24 at Mitec and from July 23 to 26 at KLCC. The exhibition will feature over 850 exhibitors and showcases, including Fenestex and Architalent. Arec 2025, held under Malaysia’s Asean Chair, will focus on modular construction, urban regeneration and sustainable infrastructure. Highlights include national pavilions from Austria, China, Korea, Singapore and Canada, Asean’s first real-life workplace simulation and talks on adaptive interiors and smart living. – by Harith Kamal

KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, graciously took part in a brisk walk programme with staff of Istana Negara yesterday, in an effort to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. According to a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s official Facebook page, the casual activity also aimed to strengthen the bond between His Majesty and Istana Negara staff. “His Majesty walked a distance of 2.5km around the perimeter within the grounds of Istana Negara. The programme, organised by the Istana Negara Welfare and Sports Club, was joined by about 200 officers and staff of Istana Negara, the palace security team as well as facility management personnel,” the post read. Among those who took part were Istana Negara Comptroller of the Royal Household Tan Sri Azmi Rohani, Grand Chamberlain Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini, Istana Negara Welfare and Sports Club chairman Zulkifly Yunus and senior officials of Istana Negara. – Bernama

Sultan Ibrahim walking with palace staff. – PIC COURTESY OF SULTAN IBRAHIM’S FACEBOOK PAGE

Sabah, S’wak gain voice, but autonomy push remains

Research senior fellow prof Dr Azmi Hassan offered similar observations. He said that political representation from East Malaysia has improved, though there are distinctions between the two states. “Sabah is still developing a stronger coalition identity, while Sarawak’s GPS is more established and cohesive,” he said. Azmi added that East Malaysian parties will likely continue to play a significant role in federal politics, particularly in light of ongoing political fragmentation in Peninsular Malaysia, as seen during the last general election. He also expects the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to remain a point of interest in upcoming state elections, especially in Sabah, where it holds historical and emotional significance. “While national issues remain important, MA63-related matters continue to be a key focus for many voters in East Malaysia,” he said. In a related update, Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said on Monday that the federal government is expected to make a decision on matters related to MA63 on Sept 12. This will follow further discussions in a technical committee involving both Sabah and Sarawak.

structure typically require time and coordination among various agencies.” Chin also noted that political structures differ between the two states. In Sabah, the presence of multiple parties within the governing coalition can affect policy cohesion. “There is currently no single party with enough seats to govern Sabah independently. This can influence the state’s ability to negotiate or present unified proposals at the federal level,” he said. In Sarawak, the situation is more consolidated. Of the 82 seats in the state legislative assembly, 80 are held by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), comprising Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party, Sarawak Peoples’ Party and Progressive Democratic Party. The coalition left Barisan Nasional in 2018 and has since governed Sarawak on its own. Chin said this stability has contributed to more consistent policy positions and engagement with the federal government. He also remarked on public perceptions in Sabah, where federal-state relations are sometimes viewed through the lens of political alignment. Nusantara Academy of Strategic

o Analysts highlight drive for greater control over education, health and resource sectors despite stronger Cabinet representation

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (Tourism) and Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (National Unity). In total, seven out of 28 full ministers are from East Malaysia, making up 25% of the Cabinet. Chin also pointed out that at the deputy minister level, representation is slightly higher, with six deputy ministers from Sarawak and seven from Sabah. However, he said despite this level of representation, there are continued calls from both states for greater decision-making authority in certain policy areas. “In Sarawak, for example, there have been long-standing proposals for more local control over education and health services. These remain under federal jurisdiction,” he said. He explained that such arrangements reflect the broader framework of federal governance, where the central government maintains oversight over certain portfolios. “Changes in governance

PETALING JAYA: Although Sabah and Sarawak have gained increased representation in the federal government, analysts say ongoing discussions over administrative powers and jurisdictional responsibilities remain relevant, particularly in sectors such as oil and gas, education and healthcare. University of Tasmania professor Dr James Chin noted that the inclusion of leaders from East Malaysia in senior federal roles marks a significant development in terms of political presence. “For the first time in Malaysian history, we have a deputy prime minister from Sarawak,” he said, referring to Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He added that four Sarawakian MPs currently hold full ministerial positions – Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (Women, Family and Community Development), Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (Works),

Anwar’s position as PM remains strong: AMK chief IPOH: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s position as prime minister remains strong and is unaffected by any attempts to challenge his have no impact on the current political stability and lack clear direction. remains confident the people are now more discerning in their judgement and will not be easily swayed by rallies orchestrated by opposition leaders. confidence and ensure more effective policy delivery for the benefit of the people. Regarding the carnival,

“It is merely an effort to stir unrest, causing public anxiety without offering any constructive solutions,” he told a press conference after opening the Tambun parliamentary constituency Islamic Arts Carnival and Mahabbah Madani Night at the Al-Amin Mosque compound on Sunday. Muhammad Kamil said he

Muhammad Kamil said the two-day event, which began on Saturday, attracted over 10,000 visitors. He said the main objective was to strengthen the role of agencies in promoting Islamic and spiritual activities in the community, while fostering the spirit of hijrah . – Bernama

leadership, including through rallies. Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim said the prime minister continues to command the support of the majority of MPs in the unity government. “Attempts to challenge the prime minister’s position through rallies

“However, we continue to uphold the principles of democracy and do not obstruct their right to assemble as guaranteed by the Constitution,” he said. He added that the government is focused on efforts to stabilise the cost of living, boost investor