As Sarawak continues to reclaim rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), greater autonomy is no longer viewed simply as a constitutional or political milestone.
Increasingly, it is becoming a practical tool for shaping policies that better reflect the state’s unique geography, economy and multicultural society.
According to Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) senior lecturer Dr Hafizan Mohamad Naim, greater autonomy has strengthened Sarawak’s ability to make decisions that are closer to the realities and aspirations of its people.
“Autonomy brings development closer to the people because decisions are made with a better understanding of local needs,” she said.
Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, greater decision-making powers enable the Sarawak government to determine its own development priorities and coordinate programmes according to the state’s circumstances. This has allowed locally tailored solutions in key sectors such as tertiary education, rural connectivity, roads, public transportation and rural air services.
For a vast state where communities are separated by rivers, mountains and forests, policies designed with local knowledge can often respond more effectively than centrally planned solutions.
However, Hafizan stressed that greater autonomy should not be interpreted as replacing the federal government.
Instead, it complements national policies by allowing Sarawak to implement state-specific solutions while continuing to benefit from federal funding, regulatory support and national coordination.
“The federal government and the Sarawak government have complementary roles. Greater autonomy strengthens cooperation rather than weakens it,” she explained.
The expanded decision-making space has also enabled Sarawak to align its economic planning with long-term ambitions.
This can be seen through strategic initiatives such as the development of PETROS, expansion of the energy sector, investment in hydrogen technology and the transfer of Bintulu Port, all of which provide the state with greater flexibility in managing strategic industries and charting its economic future.
Yet Hafizan emphasised that increased powers must be matched with greater responsibility.
“Greater autonomy gives Sarawak more space to shape its own future, but it also requires the state government to exercise those powers wisely, transparently and fairly,” she said.
She stressed that the benefits of autonomy must be enjoyed by all Sarawakians, particularly those living in rural and interior areas.
Looking ahead, Hafizan believes Sarawak’s next phase of development should focus on transforming its growing economic strength into people-centred progress.
“The real challenge now is ensuring that development is shared by everyone under the true meaning of ‘Segulai Sejalai’,” she said.
Among the state’s highest priorities should be narrowing the rural-urban development gap.
While significant investments have been made in infrastructure, she said roads, bridges, clean water, electricity and reliable internet access remain fundamental to connecting communities with schools, healthcare, markets and employment opportunities.
“A truly ‘Maju Makmur Sarawak’ must ensure that progress reaches every community regardless of location,” she noted.
Education is another critical area.
Although Sarawak’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme represents a significant step forward, Hafizan said sustained investment is still needed to improve educational quality, strengthen rural schools, expand technical and vocational education and ensure skills training matches future industry demands.
“A prosperous Sarawak depends on knowledgeable, skilled and confident Sarawakians who can lead the state’s future,” she said.
Economic growth, she added, must also translate into tangible improvements in everyday life.
High-income status alone is insufficient unless families experience higher incomes, better employment opportunities and stronger financial security.
She called for continued support for rural livelihoods, small businesses, modern agriculture and lower-income communities to ensure prosperity is broadly shared.
Sarawak should also continue diversifying its economy by building on strengths in renewable energy, hydrogen, digital technology, advanced manufacturing and the semiconductor industry.
Such strategic sectors, she said, have the potential to generate quality jobs while strengthening the state’s long-term economic resilience.
Equally important is strengthening governance.
As Sarawak gains greater authority, effective institutions, transparent public administration and strong policy implementation become increasingly essential to maintaining public trust and delivering meaningful outcomes.
Throughout this journey, Hafizan believes the principle of “Segulai Sejalai” should remain the foundation of Sarawak’s development agenda.
Government, businesses, communities and civil society, she said, all have shared responsibilities in ensuring no community is left behind regardless of ethnicity, religion, geography or social background.
For ordinary Sarawakians, greater autonomy carries a deeper meaning beyond administrative powers.
“It gives people a stronger sense of ownership over Sarawak’s future,” she said.
Greater autonomy allows Sarawakians to feel more confident that the state’s development priorities, cultural identity and long-term direction are being shaped by those who best understand its unique circumstances.
Ultimately, Hafizan said autonomy is about more than governance. It is about dignity, belonging and giving Sarawakians a meaningful voice in determining their future within the Malaysian Federation.
As Sarawak celebrates its continuing journey of self-governance, she believes that greater autonomy should not only strengthen the state but also inspire every Sarawakian to contribute towards building a more prosperous, inclusive and united Ibu Pertiwi under the enduring spirit of “Sarawak Maju Makmur” and “Segulai Sejalai”.
