By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 26: Sarawak hopes the federal government will include its special grant under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution in the upcoming Budget 2027, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Article 112D provides for a special grant to Sarawak from the federal government, with the amount subject to review and negotiations between both sides under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Abang Johari said the federal government could project the amount to be allocated under the provision and expressed hope that matters agreed upon under MA63 would be reflected in the upcoming Budget.
“We hope they can project how much allocation will be provided under Article 112D.
“Also, what we have agreed and decided on under MA63 will be implemented. It requires several allocations as well, and we hope these can be included in Budget 2027,” he said during a press conference after officiating at the Sarawakku Sayang Programme in Betong today, which was broadcast live by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Facebook.
He was responding to a question on the key matters concerning Sarawak’s rights under MA63 that the Sarawak government hopes the federal government will fulfil in Budget 2027, particularly in terms of allocations and revenue sharing.
The issue of the Article 112D special grant has been under negotiation between Sarawak and the federal government, with Sarawak seeking a clear basis for determining the amount of the annual grant.
On Sept 16, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the interim payment of Sarawak’s special grant under Article 112D would be increased to RM1.5 billion from this year, while negotiations would continue on the formula for determining the annual grant.
Budget 2027 is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 9. — DayakDaily
