In a statement, Acting PBS President Maximus Ongkili said both committees would study what was promised in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 in relation to the devolution of powers and Borneonisation and make recommendations on remedial actions.

Maximus, who is energy, green technology and water minister, will be chairing the committee on devolution of powers, while PBS Senior Vice-President Radin Malleh would chair the committee on Borneonisation.

Both committees will be assisted by a technical group, comprising experts in the respective fields, including education and law.

“We hope to get some results soon and have set a two-month timeframe before submitting our findings and proposed solutions to the party leadership for submission to both the state and federal governments.

“We need to defend what is still there, and take back what has been eroded — in the same spirit and commitment as what Sarawak is doing.”

Ongkili said it was important to study the safeguards enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963, especially on Borneonisation of the civil service and government-linked companies (GLCs).

This, he said, was to ensure the optimal participation of Sabahans, especially natives, in respect of promotions, scholarship awards and training.

“We want to make sure both the federal and state civil services are not monopolised only by one group.”

Maximus also revealed that a separate working committee to study “skipped” details on Malaysia’s formation in school textbooks would be headed by Deputy Higher Education Minister Mary Yap.

In recent times, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 has become a focal point of Sabahan and Sarawakian politics.

Politicians on both sides of the divide, more so in Sarawak, have been vocal on going back to the spirit of the agreement and the reinstatement of the constitutional safeguards and rights in the agreement.