Constructive interventions to enhance public understanding and awareness of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in Sarawak

This paper examines strategies to enhance public understanding of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in Sarawak within the context of federal–state relations and territorial autonomy in Malaysia. Using a qualitative approach, the study draws on in-depth interviews with 30 respondents and 10 focus group discussions with policymakers, academics, civil society actors, youth and grassroots communities. Data were analysed using ATLAS.ti. The findings reveal persistent gaps in MA63 literacy due to limited integration into formal education, fragmented access to credible information, competing federal–state narratives and unverified digital content. The study identifies key intervention pathways involving education, inclusive community dialogue, digital engagement and transparent implementation of MA63-related reforms, highlighting the need for an integrated, multi-level approach sensitive to Sarawak’s socio-cultural context.