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Malaysia Day Reflection: 60 Years of Formation, the Significance of MA63, and the Essentiality of Institutional Reform for Nation-Building

As Malaysia celebrates her 60th anniversary since the formation of the nation, let us recall the commitments made in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). On this day, we pause to reflect on the past, evaluate our present, and envision our future. MA63: Have we been serious enough?

The Malaysia Agreement 1963, a document central to the formation of Malaysia, was designed to ensure the interests and autonomy of Sabah and Sarawak, as equal partners; and to foster political stability, economic growth and social development. Six decades on, it is time to ask ourselves, "Have we been serious about honouring this agreement?". This agreement is a commitment to the preservation of the unique identities and rights of these two, once sovereign states. It is a commitment that must remain steadfast.

In the spirit of true nation building, the government of the day and the rakyat must reevaluate our commitment to honouring MA63. This is not the time for mere talk, but action must be taken to uphold and empower the autonomy of Sabah and Sarawak. Sabah and Sarawak are integral parts of Malaysia and must continue to be recognised and seen as such.

Unity in the Horizon?

As we commemorate Malaysia Day, we need to be reminded of the diversity that has shaped our nation. In this multi-ethnic and multicultural society, unity has always been a core aspiration. But have we reached the horizon of true unity? Our diversity should be our strength, a source of resilience and innovation. Achieving this unity is not just about celebrating our differences but embracing them in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.

Unity is vital in nation building. In promoting and maintaining unity, institutional reform is an essential tool. We need institutional reforms that promote inclusivity, diversity, and equality representation like, Harmony Act, at all levels of government and society. It is through these reforms that we can ensure the safeguarding of every Malaysian against any attempts to disrupt peace and unity. These reforms also guarantee that every Malaysian, regardless of their background, has an equal stake in the nation's progress.

Where are we after 60 years?

Six decades is a substantial span of time, and as a nation, we have come a long way. We have seen remarkable progress in various fields, from economic growth to technological advancements. Yet, we must not forget the challenges we still face - economic disparities, political divides, a nation divided by racial and religious sentiments, environmental concerns, and the pursuit of justice and inclusivity for all citizens.

To truly move forward, institutional reform must be our first agenda in the effort of nation building. This includes addressing corruption, enhancing the transparency of government institutions, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails. This is the time for us to start working towards the enactment of the Harmony Act, Parliament Services Act, Procurement Act, establishment of Ombudsman, to name a crucial few. Only through institutional reform, we are able to strengthen our institutions. We reiterate our recent call for the separation of Attorney General and Public Prosecutor’s power. The separation of Malaysia’s parliamentary democracy through the three branches of Legislative, Judiciary and Executive further strengthen our institutions, to create an environment where every Malaysian can thrive and contribute to the nation's development.

This Malaysia Day, let us take a moment to remember the vision of our nation. Sabah and Sarawak remain as crucial drivers for reform in all corners of Malaysia, and have a duty to demand leadership to work on institutional reform, including upholding the MA63. Let us reaffirm our commitment to building a Malaysia where the promises of MA63 are upheld, where unity is not just a slogan but a way of life, and where, after 60 years, we can stand proudly together as one nation for the next 60 years and beyond.

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