By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 16: The proposed formula for determining Sarawak’s Special Grant under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution remains under discussion between the Sarawak and the federal government, with no final agreement reached to date.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said the recent increase in the interim Special Grant from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion did not constitute a final settlement of the review.
“For a long-term solution, the Sarawak government has proposed establishing a clear and consistent formula to determine the amount of the Special Grant.
“The proposed formula remains under discussion between the Sarawak Government and the Federal Government, and no final formula has been agreed upon to date,” she said in responding to Tellian assemblyman Roystan Valentine during the question-and-answer session at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUNS) sitting today.
Sharifah Hasidah said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the increase in the interim Special Grant on Sept 16, 2026, raising the amount from RM600 million to RM1.5 billion.
“The Sarawak government appreciated the increase. It demonstrates a positive development and that Sarawak’s voice and aspirations have received due attention and consideration from the federal government,” she said.
She added that the increase would provide the Sarawak government with greater fiscal capacity to continue implementing its development agenda, including infrastructure, public amenities and services for the people throughout the State.
However, she stressed that the increased amount remained an interim payment and should not be regarded as the final outcome of the Special Grant review under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.
Sharifah Hasidah said the continued efforts of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to safeguard Sarawak’s rights and interests under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution had yielded tangible results.
Nevertheless, she maintained that a clear and consistent formula was necessary to provide a long-term basis for determining the Special Grant.
The ongoing discussions between both governments will therefore be crucial in determining the framework for a final resolution of the matter. — DayakDaily
