Anwar to unveil interim Sarawak payment on Malaysia Day

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim indicated that an interim payment for Sarawak will be announced on Malaysia Day, September 16, during a ceremony in Kuching. The statement came after he chaired a meeting of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council in Kota Kinabalu, where he met with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.

While Sarawak is not included under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, Anwar said the spirit of that provision should still apply, and he will keep negotiating with the Premier over the next few days. He referenced the earlier interim RM1.5 billion payment to Sabah and said a revenue-sharing formula is being drafted to reflect the nation’s financial position and set minimum and maximum limits. Abang Johari described the proposed formula as a win-win approach that balances state needs with national stability.