By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Jan 27: Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has dismissed a proposal to establish a third federal capital in Borneo, describing it as meaningless and driven solely by economic considerations.
He said the proposal by Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail, raised during a recent parliamentary debate, to set up an additional federal capital alongside Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya was unnecessary, stressing that economic development in Sarawak and Sabah does not depend on hosting a federal capital.
Abdul Karim, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief, said national priorities should instead focus on development and the upgrading of existing facilities.
“I don’t see the need for too many capitals in one country. Kuala Lumpur is our national capital, while Putrajaya is the administrative capital. Kuala Lumpur, which used to be the administrative capital, has now become Malaysia’s commercial capital,” he told reporters after a press conference on the Annual Assembly of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network of Gastronomy 2026 at Baitul Makmur II in Petra Jaya here today.
He stressed that efforts to boost Sarawak’s economy should centre on tangible development rather than the creation of a new capital.
“Kalau nak seribu daya, kalau tak nak seribu dalih. If there is a will to develop, there are many areas where this can be done.
“Just look at our dilapidated schools in the interior, hospitals, clinics and rural clinics. These are all matters under the purview of the federal government,” he said.
Abdul Karim also clarified that the proposal was neither a government policy nor an official decision.
He further highlighted Bandar 2020, a 2,020-hectare tract of prime land in Kuching that was alienated during the tenure of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for federal development.
“It has already been given. Everything now rests with the federal government to develop it. When they requested the land and the state government approved it, it was for that purpose,” he said.
According to Abdul Karim, the understanding at the time was for the state administration to remain in Kuching, while the federal administration would be based at Bandar 2020.
“If they are not willing to develop it, then I think the only right thing to do is to return it, because it is a prime piece of land,” he added.
He also pointed out that Kuching is expanding and must grow in multiple directions, including towards Matang, and not only Samarahan or Batu Kawa.
“There is even that marble arch. Many people have forgotten about it.
“And now there is talk of asking for more land for another capital. Look at this piece of land first, if there is truly an intention to develop Sarawak,” he said.
Yesterday (Jan 26), it was reported that Rodziah had proposed the establishment of a third federal capital in Borneo to complement Kuala Lumpur as the constitutional and legislative capital, and Putrajaya as the administrative and executive centre.
The Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) lawmaker said the proposed capital could serve as a hub for federal judicial institutions and international arbitration, while helping to boost the economies of Sabah and Sarawak and promote development in rural and remote areas.
She added that the move could also help ease urban congestion and infrastructure pressure in Peninsular Malaysia. — DayakDaily
