KUCHING: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin has urged the federal government to move swiftly from commitment to implementation following the Prime Minister’s announcement that Putrajaya will review Sarawak’s Special Grant under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.
Welcoming the announcement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament on Tuesday (Jun 30), Yap said Sarawakians expect the constitutional review to result in concrete action rather than prolonged negotiations.
“Recognition of Sarawak’s rightful position is welcomed, but what the people expect now is implementation.
“Constitutional obligations must be honoured without unnecessary delay because Sarawak’s rights cannot remain subject to endless negotiations,” he said in a press statement today.
Yap said the review follows Putrajaya’s decision to increase Sabah’s Special Grant to RM1.5 billion, adding that Sarawak likewise deserves a higher allocation that reflects its constitutional position and contribution to the Federation.
He called on the federal government and the Ministry of Finance to conclude negotiations with the Sarawak government as soon as possible so that the revised Special Grant can be incorporated into the upcoming Federal Budget.
Yap also reiterated his support for Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s proposal for a transparent, equitable and sustainable formula to determine Sarawak’s Special Grant, saying it should accurately reflect the state’s contribution to the national economy while honouring the spirit and intent of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
According to Yap, a revised Special Grant would enable the state to accelerate development priorities, including upgrading major roads, improving drainage systems to mitigate flooding, rehabilitating ageing schools, strengthening healthcare facilities and expanding infrastructure to support Sarawak’s growing population.
He said the review should be viewed as a constitutional obligation under Article 112D rather than a discretionary allocation.
“For decades, Sarawak has contributed immensely through our oil and gas resources, renewable energy and economic strength.
“The review of the Special Grant is not a favour from the Federal Government—it is a constitutional obligation under Article 112D,” he said.
Yap added that he has consistently supported the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s efforts to safeguard Sarawak’s constitutional rights, fiscal interests and development priorities under the Federal Constitution and MA63.
He said recent developments, including the transfer of Bintulu Port to the Sarawak government and the federal government’s commitment to review the Special Grant, demonstrate that a united and constructive approach has yielded tangible progress for the state.
Yap also pledged to continue advocating for Sarawak’s constitutional rights while engaging constructively with all stakeholders to ensure the state receives what it is entitled to under the Federal Constitution.
“I am confident that under the leadership of GPS, Sarawak would continue to strengthen its autonomy, safeguard its constitutional rights and pursue sustainable development for future generations,” he added.
