Latest news with #MalaysiaAgreement1963
Borneo Post
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
TYT calls on Sarawak local universities to establish law faculty
Wan Junaidi (third left) and other members of the delegation look on as delegation leader Summer Bay (fourth right) exchanges a memento with Fauziah. — Photo from Astana Negeri Sarawak KUCHING (July 30): Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar proposed the establishment of a law faculty in Sarawak's local universities to cultivate a new generation of professionals well-versed in the state's unique legal landscape. The proposal was shared during a courtesy call by the Sarawak Students Association in United Kingdom at the Astana Negeri in Petra Jaya yesterday. Also present was Wan Junaidi's wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi. In a Facebook post after the visit, Wan Junaidi emphasised that Sarawak's distinctive legal framework, including native customary rights (NCR) to land, requires practitioners who understand its intricacies. He expressed hope that a locally-rooted law faculty would produce legal experts who are not only academically trained but also deeply familiar with Sarawak's constitutional and legislative context. He also highlighted the importance of grasping key national documents such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Federal Constitution, and the Sarawak State Constitution, alongside the responsibilities of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri. He urged the students, particularly those pursuing legal training, to seek hands-on exposure through court visits and to avoid shortcuts in building their careers. He encouraged students to return home after their studies and contribute towards Sarawak's development, echoing the state government's commitment to creating job opportunities and nurturing homegrown talent. Both Wan Junaidi and Fauziah conveyed their appreciation for the students' visit and extended well-wishes for their future success. law faculty lead local universities Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar
Malaysiakini
a day ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Greater Sabah representation needed in apex courts
LETTER | Sabah lawyer and Warisan legal advisor, Chin Tek Ming, today congratulated the newly appointed judges to the highest echelons of the Malaysian judiciary and reiterated his longstanding call for greater representation of Sabah-born jurists in the nation's appellate courts. Chin extended his congratulations to Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh on his appointment as the 17th chief justice of Malaysia, Abu Bakar Jais as the new president of the Court of Appeal, and Azizah Nawawi as the chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak. He also commended the appointments of eight new Court of Appeal judges and 14 High Court judges, expressing hope that the new appointees will discharge their judicial responsibilities 'without fear or favour' and uphold the sanctity of the rule of law - one of the key pillars of Malaysia's constitutional separation of powers. While expressing support for the latest appointments, Chin reaffirmed the concerns he raised in his press statements dated June 9 and 14, where he highlighted the underrepresentation of judges of Sabah origin in the Federal Court and Court of Appeal. 'To this day, there remain too few Court of Appeal judges of Sabah origin, and there are none in the Federal Court. This imbalance must be rectified in accordance with the spirit and terms of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),' he said. He added that while Sabah has produced many capable jurists, few have been elevated to the apex courts, and this continuing disparity undermines the federal principle of equal partnership among the constituent regions of Malaysia. In addition, Chin urged the government and the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) to consider appointing retired but experienced Sabah jurists to serve on the Commission. 'We have a wealth of legal experience among retired judges from Sabah, such as former chief justice Richard Malanjum and former chief judge David Wong, who can bring valuable insight and regional balance to the JAC,' he said. Chin concluded by emphasising that judicial diversity, especially in terms of geographical representation, is crucial to reinforcing public confidence in the judiciary and ensuring that the administration of justice is reflective of Malaysia's federal character. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
GRS reaffirms support for MADANI government under Hajiji
KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has reiterated its support for the Madani government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stated that this decision stems from the federal government's responsiveness to Sabah's demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Hajiji, who is also Sabah's Chief Minister, highlighted that many of the state's requests had been approved and implemented, benefiting the people. 'I would like to reiterate that GRS remains supportive of the Prime Minister. Many of our initiatives and demands under MA63 have been approved by him,' he said during his winding-up speech at the Gagasan Rakyat Annual General Assembly. He contrasted the current administration's cooperation with past difficulties in securing approvals. 'Previously, it was very difficult to devolve powers or approve our requests... if the Madani Government is good for our state, why wouldn't we support it?' Hajiji added. The shift in GRS's support came after dissatisfaction with the previous federal government's stance on the 'Borneo Bloc' concept. 'I was shocked by those remarks... I reflected on it for a long time and eventually lost heart in them,' Hajiji explained. Additionally, Hajiji confirmed his attendance at the upcoming Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation in Jakarta, where discussions will include matters related to the Sulawesi Sea. - Bernama
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Daily Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Some fear a strong Sabah and Sarawak: Chief Minister
Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Hajiji praised the Unity Government for listening and acting on Sabah's long-standing demands, especially those under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Kota Kinabalu: GRS head Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor revealed that some Federal leaders are fearful that Sabah will gang up with Sarawak and be more assertive on issues affecting both territories. He said this approach towards Sabah – especially towards the Borneo Bloc where both states may take a joint stand on issues – was what forced him to dump Perikatan Nasional (PN) and realign with the current Unity Government. Hajiji recalled a meeting in the nation's capital together with Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan where a certain PN leader said he did not want to hear about the Borneo Bloc anymore. 'During that meeting, this leader even told us bluntly that 'the Master is here.' 'He didn't want us sharing experiences with Sarawak and didn't value our aspirations,' Hajiji said, adding that the incident triggered a deep personal reflection among them (he, Jeffrey and Masidi). 'I thought long and hard about what he meant. Eventually, my heart turned cold towards them. That was the moment I realised something had to change. 'For Sabah, the master is here. This is our land, we are the ones who shape its future, not those who come from elsewhere thinking they can dictate to us,' he said. Hajiji praised the Unity Government for listening and acting on Sabah's long-standing demands, especially those under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). 'Under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, many of our demands have finally been approved. 'What was once impossible such as the devolution of powers is now becoming a reality. That's why GRS continues to support this government because it listens,' he said. Thus, he said, the decision to align with the Unity Government was not made lightly as it involved Sabah's dignity. 'If this government is good for our state, why shouldn't we support it?' he said. Hajiji also confirmed he would accompany Anwar during his visit to Jakarta where discussions would include cross-border cooperation, particularly on issues related to the Sulawesi Sea. 'This is how a partnership should work. Equal footing, mutual respect and real conversations about our future. For Sabah, GRS will stay united. Our priority is always Sabah,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Dismissive attitude towards Borneo Bloc led to political shift: Hajiji
Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor ( pic ) said the lack of respect shown towards the Borneo Bloc by the previous federal leadership prompted him to reconsider his political alignment. He recalled a meeting in Kuala Lumpur with Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan where a senior federal leader dismissed the idea of a united Sabah and Sarawak voice. According to Hajiji, the leader's comment, declaring himself as 'the Master,' signalled a clear disregard for the Borneo Bloc's aspirations and Sabah's role in shaping its future. Speaking during the Gagasan Rakyat AGM on Sunday, Hajiji, who is also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Chairman and Gagasan Rakyat President, said the incident led to deep reflection and eventually convinced him that change was needed for the sake of Sabah. He said the Unity Government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had taken Sabah's longstanding concerns seriously, particularly those related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Hajiji stressed that GRS backs the current government because it respects Sabah's dignity and has begun to deliver on long-overdue commitments such as the devolution of powers. He confirmed he would join Anwar during his visit to Sabah today, with cross-border cooperation and regional concerns in the Sulawesi Sea expected to be among the key matters discussed. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
