Sarawak’s peace and stability enable us to create extraordinary cooperation, where the federal government can hand over responsibilities and full trust to the state government to begin certain development projects.
– Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Facebook posting on March 30, 2024
When Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stood before a festive crowd at the State Unity Stadium in Kuching on April 19, his words did more than merely pay tribute to Sarawak’s progress; they acknowledged a structural shift in the balance of national development.
In recognising Sarawak as a “key contributor to Malaysia’s economic progress”, Anwar was affirming what many in Sarawak have known for years: Sarawak is no longer a silent partner in the federation; it is now a pacesetter!
This recognition did not come overnight, nor was it handed down through mere federal benevolence. It is the result of deliberate strategy, firm governance, and a renewed sense of identity within Sarawak – all stewarded under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Anwar’s speech may have been couched in the warmth of Hari Raya camaraderie, but its implications are national and, arguably, historical.
Sarawak’s accession to the Malaysian federation in 1963 came with promises of autonomy and partnership, enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement (MA63). Yet for decades, that spirit was dulled by centralised decision-making and economic asymmetry. The state, despite its rich natural resources, often found itself relegated to the sidelines of national planning.
Today, however, the narrative has shifted. Sarawak is not waiting for Putrajaya’s green light to pursue its ambitions. It is financing its own infrastructure, pioneering its own economic transitions, and setting a precedent for cooperative federalism – not by demanding more, but by doing more.
The Sarawak Cancer Centre, the cancer hospital, is a case in point. When the federal allocation of RM1 billion was slow to materialise, the state government offered to advance the funds from its own coffers, with the understanding that Putrajaya would reimburse later. This is more than fiscal flexibility; it is a declaration of Sarawak’s capacity to act and lead.
The prime minister was careful to point out that Sarawak’s development is not merely the fruit of resource endowment. Indeed, many Malaysian states are similarly blessed, yet few match Sarawak’s recent path. The difference, Anwar noted, lies in political stability and visionary leadership.
In a nation often rocked by federal-level political turbulence, Sarawak has maintained a remarkably stable governance structure. Under GPS, the state has focused not on personality politics but on long-term planning, economic diversification, and social inclusivity.
This stability has created a conducive environment for investment, innovation, and institutional strengthening. Investors know what to expect in Sarawak. Civil servants know what to implement. And citizens, by and large, have faith in the developmental agenda.
Education was among the key sectors cited by Anwar during his visit – and rightly so. Sarawak understands that conventional means, while essential, are not enough. The true engine of growth lies in human capital.
From the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy to the establishment of local universities and technical institutes, the state is investing in skills that match its industrial ambitions. The goal is not just to produce graduates, but to cultivate thinkers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who can anchor the state’s economic future.
What’s emerging is an education-to-industry pipeline tailored to Sarawak’s unique developmental context. Unlike the centralised, generic approach that has often characterised federal education policy, Sarawak is betting on a system that is adaptive, decentralised, and aligned with market needs, especially in sectors like energy, data, and sustainable industry.
Anwar’s mention of Sarawak’s leadership in energy and gas is more than a nod to its Petros-led ventures. It is an acknowledgement of Sarawak’s emerging leverage in a decarbonising, energy-hungry region. The state is not only a key exporter of liquefied natural gas, but also an early adopter of hydrogen technology and green energy solutions.
Sarawak Energy Berhad’s move towards renewable energy, including its foray into hydropower and hydrogen fuel, is strategically significant. In a time when climate commitments are shaping global finance and trade, Sarawak’s green pivot positions it as a regional energy hub in Southeast Asia.
This ambition is already being noticed. Anwar revealed that in his engagements abroad Sarawak is often cited as a state with “immense potential”. That isn’t just diplomatic politeness. It’s economic realism. Sarawak is now in the conversation as a strategic partner for regional supply chains, energy trade, and infrastructure investment.
What sets Sarawak apart, and what federal policymakers can learn from, is its quiet confidence. The state is not shouting for autonomy; it is exercising it. It is not demanding special status; it is proving its special value. In doing so, it is subtly redefining the federal-state relationship.
The push for devolution under the MA63 framework gains greater legitimacy when a state demonstrates it can manage itself responsibly. Sarawak’s track record in building highways, bridges, and water supply systems with its own funds speaks volumes. It is not waiting for policy from Kuala Lumpur; it is crafting its own.
This approach not only earns respect from Putrajaya but also builds a model for other states to emulate. Federalism in Malaysia need not be a zero-sum game. When states succeed, the federation thrives.
The question now is not whether Sarawak is contributing – it clearly is – but how much more it can shape Malaysia’s future direction. With Kuala Lumpur and Selangor nearing saturation, national growth needs new engines. Sarawak, with its landmass, resources, and leadership, is well-placed to become a co-pilot in the national journey.
Yet challenges remain. Flooding, rural-urban divides, and indigenous inclusion still require attention. Development must not become an elite narrative detached from the daily lives of ordinary Sarawakians. In this regard, federal cooperation remains vital, but on equal terms.
Anwar’s message was clear: “Sarawak and Malaysia must progress together.” That togetherness must be founded not on dependency but on mutual respect and shared ambition. As the nation enters a new economic and geopolitical era, Sarawak stands ready – not as a follower, but as a forerunner. From the fringes of national planning, it has surged to the forefront.
Sarawak’s rise is not a miracle. It is the product of hard choices, clear vision, and unyielding will of its leaders. It is what happens when a state stops asking for permission and starts building possibilities.
Let the rest of the nation take heed: the eastern skies are no longer dim. The Hornbill is spreading its wings. And when it soars, it may just lift all of Malaysia with it.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at rajlira@gmail.com
