Its deputy premier Dr Sim Kui Hian says Australia provides a useful reference point for Sarawak as it seeks greater state control over health and education under MA63.
He said Australia’s system, where state governments have authority over health and education, provided a useful model for Sarawak as it pursued the restoration of its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), reported the Borneo Post.
“In Australia, education and health are (under) state authority, and that’s why we are pursuing this under MA63 – we want to be like Australia,” he said.
Sim was speaking at the launch of the “Australians in Sarawak: Shared Histories – Enduring Friendship, Side by Side 2026” photo exhibition in Kuching.
He said the comparison with Australia was also reflected in Sarawak’s decision to change the title of its head of government from chief minister to premier, noting that heads of Australian states use the same title.
Sim also said Australia provided an important reference point for Sarawak in terms of government structures and human capital development.
He said his 17 years in Melbourne gave him first-hand experience of the country’s approach to governance and nation-building.
Sim also highlighted Sarawak’s political stability as an important factor in its ability to pursue long-term development and autonomy.
He said Sarawak had remained under the same coalition government since 1970, providing continuity that allowed the state to focus on socioeconomic development.
“That stability is important because it gives us the opportunity to help Sarawak improve the lives of our people,” he said. - FMT
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