Striking While the Iron Is Hot: Sarawak and Federal-State Dynamics in Today’s Malaysia
Date of publication:
2025
Publisher:
ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
Number of pages:
54
Code:
TRS8/25
Soft Cover
ISBN: 9789815306545
About the publication
Malaysia’s federal system is asymmetric, as the East Malaysian territories of Sarawak and Sabah have more autonomy and prerogatives than their West Malaysian counterparts. This reflects their incorporation into the Malaysian Federation in 1963 and distinct ethnic and religious composition.
Despite this, many East Malaysians do not feel that their position within Malaysia has been beneficial. Due to their natural resource wealth, these states generate a substantial proportion of federal government revenue and yet suffer high rates of poverty and insufficient infrastructure investment.
Furthermore, since their inclusion into Malaysia, the federal government has gradually encroached on the rights and responsibilities initially accorded to the Sarawak and Sabah governments. This was enabled by Barisan Nasional’s commanding majorities in parliament, and strict control over component parties—including those from East Malaysia.
However, in Malaysia’s current political context, East Malaysian parties are now kingmakers, as any national coalition must gain their support to be viable. Sarawak is particularly influential since its ruling coalition, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), is virtually invulnerable.
GPS used to be part of BN but left the grouping in 2018 and is now proudly independent. Keenly aware of its influence, GPS supported the two previous national coalitions and steadily increased its share of cabinet positions as well as the status accorded to its leaders.
Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani administration is also dependent on GPS, and negotiations on pending East Malaysian and specifically Sarawakian issues are gathering steam. The state is pushing for greater control over natural resources, autonomy over the provision of public services, and more political representation.
Progress has been made in many areas, with agreements by both governments over natural gas and social services. However, other areas are more complex to handle, with petroleum revenue-sharing and political representation being particularly daunting.
While further progress is likely, the prime minister faces constraints. There are considerable financial implications in yielding too much to Sarawak, and that could embolden state governments on the peninsula, some of whom are already pushing for more resources and autonomy, to seek more autonomy.
Contents
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Striking While the Iron Is Hot: Sarawak and Federal-State Dynamics in Today’s Malaysia
[Whole Publication, ISBN: 9789815306552], by Francis E Hutchinson, Lee Poh Onn, authors
