SARAWAK has secured full resolution of 13 issues under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), with five others partially settled or addressed on an interim basis, Premier Abang Johari Openg said as the state pledged to continue negotiations with the Federal Government over its rights.
As of September 2026, 13 of the 29 matters on the formal MA63 negotiation platform had been fully resolved, while five had reached partial or interim settlements, he said.
Abang Johari said the state would continue to pursue outstanding matters through negotiations with Putrajaya, with the Federal Constitution and MA63 remaining the basis for safeguarding Sarawak’s rights and interests within Malaysia.
He was speaking at a gathering marking the 80th birthday of Sarawak Governor Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at Padang Merdeka today.
The Premier also welcomed the Federal Government’s allocation of RM16.2 billion to Sarawak under Budget 2027, an increase of RM1.1 billion, or 7.3 per cent, from RM15.1 billion this year.
“Thank you to the Prime Minister and the Federal Government for the allocation,” he said, describing the increase as reflecting continued cooperation between the federal and state governments.
Among the latest developments in the negotiations was the transfer of Bintulu Port’s status and management powers to Sarawak, which took effect on Sept 1 following an agreement between the two governments.
Abang Johari said the transfer ended 45 years of federal oversight and would allow the state to develop the strategic asset further to support economic growth.
He also welcomed the increase in Sarawak’s interim special grant from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion for this year, announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during Malaysia Day celebrations on Sept 16.
However, Abang Johari said discussions would continue to establish a fair formula for the grant, with the aim of reaching a mutually agreed settlement.
He reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to maintaining ties with the Federal Government through negotiation, mutual understanding and cooperation in accordance with the Federal Constitution and MA63. - October 10, 2026
