Anwar’s ‘gift’ to Sabah, Sarawak will strengthen govt, say analysts

 

Anwar Ibrahim (centre), Abang Johari Openg (left) and Fadillah Yusof talk to the press following the MA63 meeting in Kuching on Friday.

PETALING JAYA: The increase in the annual special grants for Sarawak and Sabah will help solidify support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government, analysts said.

Sabah and Sarawak are entitled to special grants under Article 122D of the Federal Constitution, and earlier this month, Anwar said these grants would be reviewed every five years so that a “more reasonable sum” could be allocated.

Sarawak previously received RM16 million while Sabah was given RM26 million, and although Anwar said a clear formula had yet to be finalised to calculate the amount of these special grants, he used a working visit to Kuching on Friday to announce that Sarawak would receive RM300 million and Sabah would get RM260 million.

Council of Professors fellow Jeniri Amir said Anwar’s announcement would ensure political stability while Lee Kuok Tiung of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) said the news should serve as a signal to Sabah leaders to support the Sabah government led by chief minister Hajiji Noor.

“Sabah and Sarawak support is (crucial) for the current unity government as it will topple without their support. It is very important to have this inclusive policy so as not to discriminate and sideline any state in Malaysia,” Jeniri said.

Noting that the increased sums would help boost development in both states, Jeniri said Anwar should now focus his attention on tackling poverty in Sabah and Sarawak by attracting foreign investment and creating jobs.

Meanwhile, Lee said the increase in the special grants highlighted Anwar’s commitment to fulfilling measures in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) that Sabah and Sarawak “have been demanding for a long time”.

He also noted that the RM260 million was more than double the RM125.6 million that Hajiji negotiated with finance minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz last year.

“This will certainly show Anwar’s sincerity towards fulfilling the promises in MA63 to Sabah and Sarawak, and garner more cohesive support from GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) and GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) for his unity government,” he said.

“Instead of trying to overthrow him, the leaders in Sabah should join forces with Hajiji to fight for more Sabah rights under MA63.”

Meanwhile, deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof yesterday said the formula for the special grants was still being worked out, adding that the views of all parties would be taken into account in determining it.

In a Bernama report, he said Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg had submitted a formula based on the financial position of the federal government.

“The formula has not been finalised, but for now the principle and mechanism are in place,” said Fadillah, who is the first deputy prime minister from Sarawak.

“If Putrajaya’s financial position is good, then the payment should be increased.” - FMT