Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to announce an interim payment for Sarawak related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) on Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
Anwar said discussions with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg would continue over the next few days, with the announcement potentially being made during the Malaysia Day celebrations in Kuching.
He said the government would consider applying a similar approach to the interim payment announced for Sabah, despite Sarawak not being covered under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.
“Regarding Sarawak, I think although it is not included under the 112D constitutional provision, the same spirit should be considered,” he said.
“So I will continue discussions over these few days with the Premier, and hopefully by Malaysia Day on Sept 16 in Kuching, I can also announce an interim measure for Sarawak,” Anwar said at a press conference after chairing a Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council meeting.
The meeting was also attended by Abang Johari, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
Anwar had previously announced a special interim payment of RM1.5 billion to Sabah while negotiations over the state’s constitutional claim for 40 per cent of net revenue continue.
He said Sarawak had also put forward its views on a formula that could be used to determine special payments for both Sabah and Sarawak.
The proposed formula, he said, would take into account the country’s financial position and ability to pay, including the minimum and maximum limits that could be considered.
“I agree and have asked the Finance Ministry and the Sarawak Finance Ministry to discuss introducing this formula,” he said.
Abang Johari described Sarawak’s proposed formula as a win-win approach for both the state and the Federal Government.
“If our country prospers, the federation naturally benefits. If times are tough, we accept the reality to ensure the country’s financial stability remains intact,” he said.
