AFTER listening to points raised by Datuk Robert Lau Hui Yew, a Senator representing Sarawak in the Malaysian Parliament, I found myself deeply contemplating the distinct situations of Sabah and Sarawak. We, in Sabah, share the vital goal of achieving a recognised autonomous state status under MA63, yet his perspective underscored how our distinct histories shape the unique challenges we face today.
Historical Entry Points
Sarawak's history under the Brookes Rajahs and its early legislative body provides a different foundation compared to Sabah's past under company and colonial rule. This perhaps fuels the perception, strongly felt in Sarawak, of entering Malaysia as an established 'partner'. Reflecting on it now, this contrasts starkly with Sabah's transition directly from being a British Crown Colony – a process that could feel less like joining as an equal and more akin to a 'subsidiary transfer' from British colonial authority effectively to Malayan influence within the new Malaysian framework. This difference in perceived starting points inevitably colours how we view our subsequent journey and the assertion of state rights.
Sarawak’s Institutional Network
This historical context seems reflected in current institutional capacity. Sarawak has been particularly assertive in bolstering its financial standing and strategic reach. In a major strategic move in late 2024, the state government, via its investment arm, became the largest shareholder (31.25%) in Affin Bank, a significant national commercial bank, thereby gaining considerable influence within the broader financial system.
Beyond finance, Sarawak has pursued control and development in other key sectors: establishing PETROS to manage oil and gas resources, launching its own airline, AirBorneo, via acquisition of MASwings in 2025 to enhance connectivity, and even forming the Sarawak Coast Guard for maritime security. Adding to this is their focus on human capital; I took note of the major initiative providing free tertiary education from 2026 for Sarawakians at state-owned universities (like UTS, Curtin Malaysia, Swinburne Sarawak).
These comprehensive actions across finance, resources, transport, security, and education contribute strongly to the view, possibly emphasised by Senator Lau, of Sarawak operating like reverting as a 'complete government entity', underpinned by its long legislative history and a distinct legal framework where crucial state laws, especially regarding land (like the Sarawak Land Code) and resources (like the Oil Mining Ordinance 1958), have continuity dating back well before Malaysia's formation and remain in force.
Sabah’s SMJ Achievements
Here in Sabah, progress under our Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan is undeniable and crucial. We have achieved full regulatory control over onshore gas supply – a crucial step under MA63 achieved recently. There is also the clear commitment of taking over state electricity regulation and utility (SESB), another vital piece of autonomy we are actively pursuing is acquisition under the purview of our own Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS).
Furthermore, strategic economic infrastructure development continues, such as the major expansion of the Sepanggar Bay Container Port and the speed-up development of the Lahad Datu Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC), which combines downstream processing with integrated port and logistics facilities that improve connectivity. These are vital economic strides.
However, while economic strength and projects are important, my own view is that deep-seated institutional capacity is more fundamental for robust autonomy. This means having state-controlled entities across diverse strategic sectors – finance, transport, security, human capital – which seems to be the comprehensive network Sarawak is building.
Acknowledging Sabah's crucial progress, my reflection remains that our current focus might be more on consolidating these key sectoral gains, perhaps not yet matching the broad, state-created strategic framework evident in Sarawak.
This perceived difference extends to leadership approaches. The term 'entrepreneurial mentality' comes to mind for Sarawak's bold state ventures, contrasting with what sometimes feels like a more conventional 'employee mentality' approach here – a subjective interpretation, naturally, based on observable strategies.
Both Sabah and Sarawak strive for the same goal: autonomous state status reflecting MA63. Viewing the different capacities and strategies makes me conclude that our paths involve distinct hurdles. Both governments while leveraging The Federal Constitution Amendment Act 2021 which is constitutionally recognised MA63, must reflect the complex reality of federal-state relations.
Conclusion
Listening to Senator Lau, combined with my awareness of recent developments in both states, was thought-provoking. It reinforced my belief in our shared goal under MA63 while clarifying the differing challenges, rooted in the distinct entry points Sabah and Sarawak took into the Malaysian federation.
While Sabah is making essential progress under the SMJ Plan (focusing on economic levers, reclaiming regulatory control, and advancing logistics hubs), Sarawak’s parallel development of broad institutional infrastructure, grounded in its longstanding legal and administrative frameworks, contributes to the perception that it is further along the path toward functioning as a ‘complete government entity.’
Ultimately, just as Senator Lau highlighted Sarawak’s legacy, Sabah’s own history calls for a strategy tailored to our context, one that combines bold, state-led initiatives with regulatory discipline, and embraces an entrepreneurial mindset. Only then can we stand as true partners, not subordinates, in our own house.
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