KOTA KINABALU: Sarawak may get a federal revenue sharing style similar to that of Sabah, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Although Sarawak does not have a similar Constitutional provision as Sabah, he said the Federal Government is considering a formula in the same spirit for Sarawak.
“Regarding Sarawak, although not included under Article 112D of the Constitution, the same (Sabah revenue) spirit must be considered.
“Therefore, I will continue discussions with the Sarawak Premier in the coming days, hopefully by Malaysia Day in Kuching, where I can announce an interim step for Sarawak,” he told reporters after chairing the Technical Committee Meeting on the Implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) here yesterday.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg were with Anwar at the joint press conference after their meeting at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.
Anwar said Sarawak has submitted views on a formula to be introduced so that it clearly considers national finances and capacity as well as what minimum and maximum can be considered.
“I agreed and have asked the Finance Ministry and Sarawak Finance Ministry to discuss introducing the formula,” he added.
At the press conference, Abang Johari said it is a practical approach for his state.
“I also thank the Prime Minister for agreeing to determine a formula that will be win-win between us and the Federation. If our country is strong, the Federation is strong.
“One point I want to raise is that I support the Prime Minister’s approach that MA63 is a national matter. We want to align what is in the Constitution with the integrity of Malaysia as a united nation, continuing our efforts to develop the country as a whole,” Abang Johari said.
Earlier, Hajiji said the Sabah government had requested consideration at the meeting for a resolution of the 40% revenue return payment to Sabah.
“We want it to receive proper attention. We hope this can be resolved and expedited,” he said.
Anwar said he appreciated discussions with the two leaders and proposed that MA63 discussions be made a national narrative.
“It’s very important (national narrative). Otherwise ... every year, we have to hold special Sabah-Sarawak talks.
“It must be a national commitment to the development and stability of the country as to what was promised on independence in 1957 and Malaysia’s formation in 1963 – this must be sealed as a national narrative.
“When we increase allocations or Article 112D provisions for Sarawak and Sabah – for example, Sabah in this context – Peninsular Malaysia should not see it as special treatment for Sarawak,” he said.
Later in the afternoon, Anwar met victims of the Aug 30 Kampung Numbak fire, who are being housed at the Damai multipurpose hall here.
Accompanied by Hajiji, Anwar spent nearly 30 minutes meeting some of those affected by the blaze, which killed three children and destroyed about 800 wooden stilt houses.
The Prime Minister was also briefed by Kota Kinabalu mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah on measures being taken to assist the victims, before symbolically presenting special federal aid to them.
