The day's essential Malaysian news, briefed.
The MA63 Technical Committee has instructed federal ministries and agencies to accelerate resolution of longstanding constitutional issues affecting Sabah and Sarawak, with progress to be reviewed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim next month.
Former Sabah chief minister Harris Salleh has dismissed claims that he wielded dictatorial powers when negotiating the 1976 petroleum royalty agreement, asserting his decisions were not made unilaterally.
Thirteen of 29 Malaysia Agreement 1963 matters have been fully resolved, with another five achieving interim status, according to the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs).
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The Regent of Johor held formal discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, underscoring the enduring partnership between the state administration and federal centre during a time of deepening regional integration initiatives.
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed confidence in Sarawak's ability to manage Bintulu Port following the handover of operational control from federal to state authorities, underlining the port's strategic importance.
Johor's Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has disputed the Prime Minister's recent comments about the state's financial troubles, arguing that federal revenue retention policies—not local leakage—are constraining Johor's finances.
Johor's caretaker menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has robustly defended his state administration against allegations it lacks willingness to cooperate with the federal government in Putrajaya.