KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government and the Sarawak Government have agreed to introduce a new formula that is more comprehensible and is a win-win outcome, taking into account the interests of Sarawak and the nation’s financial position.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg welcomed the agreement and described the approach as a practical measure in finding a solution that benefits both the Sarawak and the Federal Government.

"I extend my thanks for the agreement to determine the formula that will be win-win between us and the Federation.

"If our country is in a good position, of course the Federal Government will be in a good position as well. If it is not good, we also accept the fact to ensure the financial stability of the country,” he said.

He said this in a press conference after the Meeting of the Action Council for the Implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MTPMA63) chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Sabah International Convention Center (SICC) here on Friday.

The Sarawak Premier also supported the Prime Minister's approach on matters related to MA63 must be seen as a national matter taking into account what is enshrined in the Constitution and the integrity of Malaysia.

"One thing I want to raise here is that I support the Prime Minister's approach that this MA63 matter is a national matter.

"We want to coordinate what is written in the Constitution and also the integrity of the Malaysian nation which will continue our efforts to develop the country as a whole.

"So I think this is a rather practical approach," he said.

Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Anwar said that Sarawak has put forward the view on the need to introduce a more comprehensible formula taking into account the country's financial position, current capacity as well as the minimum and maximum rates that could be considered.

"Sarawak also put forward a view on the formula that should be introduced so that it is more comprehensible.

"The formula takes into account the country's financial position, its capacity as well as the minimum and the maximum that could be considered.

"I agree and have asked the Ministry of Finance and the Sarawak Ministry of Finance to discuss introducing the formula," he said.

He emphasised that the approach is crucial so that any provision or consideration for Sabah and Sarawak is not mistaken as special treatment, but instead understood as part of the national policy and commitment to the formation and development of Malaysia. -UKASnews