KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak must be treated as an equal partner in the federation, not merely as another state, Senator Dato’ Ahmad Dato’ Sri Ibrahim reminded the Senate during the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030) on Monday.

He stressed that Sarawak’s place in Malaysia was secured through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which enshrines its role as a founding partner.

For this reason, he said, national planning and resource distribution must reflect Sarawak’s rights and contributions, rather than leaving the region behind.

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 plans, Senator Ahmad argued that the allocations and projected growth figures remain unfair.

“Sarawak is only projected to grow at 4.6 per cent, compared to 5.8 per cent for Sabah and 5.0 to 5.2 per cent for Peninsular Malaysia. 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 said.

He proposed that at least 30 per cent of the RM430 billion national development allocation be channelled to Sarawak and Sabah, alongside a dedicated infrastructure fund to ensure the completion of Pan Borneo, Trans Borneo, and major bridge projects, as well as full high-speed internet coverage for rural schools by 2030.

On fiscal matters, he urged that revenues from oil, gas, rare earth elements, and carbon credits be shared more fairly with Sarawak, moving beyond the outdated royalty model.

He further called for at least 10 per cent of the national education and health budgets to be directed to Sarawak, to fund technical universities, TVET hubs, specialist hospitals, and rural 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 for the long term,” he said.

Highlighting Sarawak’s priorities, he pointed to the rural economy and food security, positioning the state as Malaysia’s potential rice bowl; community-based tourism that empowers locals through homestays, cuisine, and cultural arts; security measures including new maritime bases in Bintulu and Miri; and stronger protections for youths facing issues such as illegal gambling, digital addiction, and precarious gig work.

Closing his debate, Senator Ahmad underscored that Sarawak is not seeking charity but rightful 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. -UKASnews