[Post 1070] Why Sabah And Sarawak’s Push For Rights And Funds Could Rock Malaysia | Insight | Full Episode

Summary

On the 29th of November, the Malaysian state of Sabah will hold its state election. But this local contest is high stakes for the ruling government, as Sabah and its neighbouring state, Sarawak, push for more autonomy and funds, granted by Malaysia’s founding document, the Malaysia Agreement, or MA63.  

Sabah and Sarawak have long complained that though they provide much of Malaysia's oil wealth, developmental funds have not been equitable. Instead, East Malaysians feel they are treated as the "poor cousins" of Peninsula Malaysia.  But since the 2022 general election, these two states now hold more leverage. Sabah and Sarawak parties are key components of Prime Minister Anwar's coalition Madani government. 

The Madani government has resolved some of the disagreements around MA63 on issues like education and public utilities and is working to settle others. But some matters, like oil-revenue sharing, continue to be sticking points. How will the Prime Minister Anwar accommodate the increasingly assertive demands of East Malaysian nationalist parties?