The recent affirmation of Sabah’s constitutional right to a 40% return of federal revenue has once again highlighted a stark and troubling disparity in the treatment of the Borneo states. While Sabah has successfully asserted its entitlement, Sarawak continues to receive far less despite its immense contribution to Malaysia’s economy — particularly through oil and gas.
Sarawakians have every reason to question why our state government, led by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), has failed to secure an equally strong fiscal arrangement for Sarawak.
Sarawak was a founding partner in the formation of Malaysia. It is unacceptable that, more than 60 years later, we remain without a revenue-sharing mechanism that reflects the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, the legitimate expectations of Sarawakians, and the principles of equity between the federation’s components.
Today, we call on the GPS government to:
1. Openly and unequivocally demand that the Federal Government extend a 40% revenue entitlement formula to Sarawak, comparable to what Sabah is receiving.
2. Table a clear, time-bound negotiation plan and publicly report progress to the people of Sarawak.
3. Assert Sarawak’s constitutional rights and financial autonomy in a manner befitting a government entrusted with governing a resource-rich state.
If GPS refuses, delays, or fails to secure a fair fiscal arrangement for Sarawak, this failure must be viewed as political incompetence and a dereliction of their duty to protect Sarawak’s interests.
Sarawakians are no longer willing to accept excuses. If Sabah can assert its rights and secure what is owed to it under the Federal Constitution, Sarawak must demand no less. Anything short of that is a failure of leadership.
Sarawak’s future, development, and dignity depend on a government that has the courage to negotiate decisively, defend our rights, and ensure that our resources benefit our people.
If GPS cannot or will not do this, then Sarawakians must reconsider whether GPS is capable of carrying the mandate of the people.
The time for a stronger, fairer deal for Sarawak is now.
Sarawakians deserve nothing less.
Voon Lee Shan
President
Parti Bumi Kenyalang
26 November 2025
