KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak’s projected growth of 4.6 per cent under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is significantly lower compared to 5.8 per cent for Sabah and between 5.0 to 5.2 per cent for Peninsular Malaysia.
In stating this Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim said this is not justifiable for a region that has long supplied Malaysia with oil, gas, hydroelectricity and now hydrogen.
“In the spirit of MA63, Sarawak deserves equitable treatment,” he reminded the Senate during the debate on the 13MP on Monday (Aug 25).asserted
Ahmad called for fairer revenue-sharing mechanisms beyond the outdated oil royalty model, particularly in oil, gas, rare earth elements and carbon credits.
Sarawak, he said, must be treated as an equal partner in the federation and not merely as another state.
He stressed that Sarawak’s position in Malaysia was enshrined through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which guarantees its role as a founding partner.
“In national planning and resource distribution, Sarawak’s rights and contributions must be reflected. We cannot afford to be left behind again,” he said.
While welcoming the inclusion of hydrogen energy, the Pan Borneo Highway, petrochemical hubs, the maritime economy, and the Special Tourism Investment Zone (STIZ) in Sarawak’s development blueprint, Ahmad argued that the allocations and projected growth figures remain unjust.
He proposed that at least 30 per cent of the RM430 billion national development allocation be channelled to Sarawak and Sabah, with a dedicated infrastructure fund to ensure the completion of Pan Borneo, Trans Borneo, and major bridge projects.
He also called for full high-speed internet coverage for rural schools by 2030.
Also, he called for at least 10 per cent of the national education and health budgets to be allocated to Sarawak to fund technical universities, TVET hubs, specialist hospitals, and rural healthcare facilities.
“MA63 was never meant to be reduced to political promises. Its mechanisms, such as special grants and capitation grants, must be legally entrenched to safeguard Sarawak’s rights in the long run,” he said.
Highlighting Sarawak’s development priorities, Ahmad pointed to the rural economy and food security, positioning the state as Malaysia’s potential rice bowl; community-based tourism that empowers locals; enhanced maritime security with new bases in Bintulu and Miri; and stronger protections for youths against illegal gambling, digital addiction, and insecure gig work.
Closing his debate, he highlighted that Sarawak is not seeking charity but fairness.
“What Sarawak seeks is not favour, nor sympathy. What we demand is fairness, fairness in revenues, fairness in development, and fairness in the spirit of MA63.
“Sarawak is not a stepchild, but a partner. If Sarawak is developed equitably, Malaysia will stand strong as a united nation,” he said.
