Anwar agrees Sarawak deserves fair share, promises formula clarity, interim measure by Malaysia Day

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (left) and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (right) in Kota Kinabalu. — Bernama pic

By Julia Chan

First Published: Friday, 11 Sep 2026 2:50 PM MYT

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim agreed to work towards establishing a formula for Sarawak to receive a share of the state’s revenue as he prepares to discuss an interim measure with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

Anwar said Sarawak had put forward its views on a formula that would provide greater clarity on the matter, taking into account the federal government’s financial position and capacity.

“Sarawak has also put forward its views on a formula that should be introduced, so that the formula is clear and takes into account the country’s financial position and capacity, including what the minimum and maximum amounts that can be considered should be,” he said.

“I agree with this and have asked the federal and Sarawak finance ministry to discuss the introduction of such a formula,” he said to reporters after chairing a meeting of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) implementation committee here.

Anwar said he would continue discussions with Abang Johari over the next few days and hoped to announce an interim measure for Sarawak around the Malaysia Day celebrations in Kuching on September 16.

“Hopefully, after September 16, Malaysia Day in Kuching, I will be able to announce an interim measure for Sarawak,” he said.

The federal government has been in discussions with Sabah on how to fulfil its constitutional obligation to pay the latter 40 per cent of its state-derived revenue, which it has defaulted on since 1974.

In May, Anwar announced an RM1.5 billion interim special grant for Sabah as Putrajaya and the Sabah government continue negotiations over the implementation mechanism and the final sum.

Anwar said the same spirit of revenue return should be applied to Sarawak even though its financial arrangement does not have the same constitutional provision as Sabah.

Abang Johari welcomed the move, describing the proposed formula as a potential “win-win” arrangement between Sarawak and the federal government.

He said any arrangement should also take into account the financial stability of the country.

“If our country is doing well, naturally we will do well. If it is not doing well, we must also accept the reality so that the country’s financial stability can be maintained,” he said.