Malaysia Day joy: Anwar to announce interim payment for Sarawak

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to announce an interim payment for Sarawak’s longstanding claims during the Malaysia Day celebrations in Kuching on Sept 16.

Anwar said he would hold further discussions with Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg over the next few days to refine the matter, Borneo Post reported.

“Although Sarawak is not covered under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, I believe the same spirit should be taken into consideration.

“So, I will continue discussions with the premier over the next few days. Hopefully, on Malaysia Day on Sept 16 in Kuching, I can also announce an interim payment for Sarawak,” he told a press conference after chairing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) implementation action council meeting in Kota Kinabalu today.

In May, Anwar said the interim allocation of RM600 million to Sabah will be increased to RM1.5 billion, pending the finalisation of the state’s constitutional claim to a 40% revenue entitlement.

Sarawak does not have a specific “40% net revenue” clause written into the constitution, and Anwar said Sarawak had proposed introducing a formula to determine the payment.

“Sarawak has also put forward its views on the formula that should be introduced so that it is clear,” he said.

“The formula will take into account the country’s financial position, capacity, as well as the minimum and maximum amounts that can be considered.

“I agree and have instructed the finance ministry and Sarawak government to discuss the introduction of such a formula.”

Abang Johari welcomed the discussions, particularly the decision to determine the formula.

“The formula will be a ‘win-win’ for Sarawak and the federal government,” he said.