Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad responded to critics of the Malaysia Agreement 63 amendments by saying that the change in direction of the government to bring back the rights of Sabahans and Sarawakians was not cosmetic at all.

On another question asked by a reporter regarding former Sabah Umno members moving to Bersatu, Dr Mahathir said they have to quit Umno and become independents before joining Bersatu.