KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s RM1.5-billion interim grant signals stronger Federal-Sarawak engagement, but the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) issues still require lasting solutions, says political pundit Datuk Peter Minos.
The grant, which takes effect this year, raises Sarawak’s interim annual allocation from RM600 million while Putrajaya and the Sarawak Government continue negotiating a permanent formula under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.
Minos, a political veteran, welcomed the increase but questioned when the allocation would actually be disbursed, saying Sarawakians would be looking beyond the announcement itself.
“We appreciate the RM1.5 billion, but when will it be made? Next year or just before the general election?” he said.
He noted that Sabah had also been promised the same amount, suggesting the announcement could partly reflect broader political considerations as speculation grows over the timing of the next general election.
On federal-state relations, Minos described the relationship as improving in tone but still burdened by unresolved disputes involving Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), oil and gas rights, and MA63.
“The RM1.5 billion is meant to smoothen hard feelings, but Sarawak still seeks greater returns from its oil and gas resources and all rights and entitlements under MA63,” he said.
Minos argued that the larger significance of the announcement lies in whether it helps rebuild confidence that longstanding constitutional issues can finally be settled through negotiations.
He said Sarawak has consistently preferred dialogue over confrontation, but warned that negotiations cannot continue indefinitely without a clear conclusion.
“Our Premier wants these matters resolved by the end of this year. Sarawak’s patience has its limit. There must be finality for every issue,” he said.
Minos also viewed the Malaysia Day setting as politically meaningful, saying the decision to announce the enhanced grant in Kuching was unlikely to be accidental.
He said the move could be interpreted as a message that the federal government recognises Sarawak’s importance and wishes to reassure the state of its commitment.
“At the same time, it may signal that the PETRONAS and MA63 issues are moving closer to some form of resolution,” he said.
While stressing that nobody can know the Prime Minister’s intentions, Minos said national political pressures may have encouraged Putrajaya to strengthen its understanding with Sabah and Sarawak.
“When a leader faces pressures or troubles, he has to do something to ease those strains,” he added.
