Borneonisation in Sarawak hits 87 pct, says minister

KUCHING (Feb 25): The Borneonisation of federal public service posts in Sarawak has reached 87 per cent, reflecting steady progress under the Madani Government, said Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.

Speaking to reporters after an engagement session with heads of federal departments and agencies here, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) said the agenda remains a key priority in implementing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), with close monitoring carried by the Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Division.

“In Sarawak, Borneonisation has reached about 87 per cent, while in Sabah it stands at around 71 per cent. This shows improvement, and we will continue strengthening the agenda,” he said, adding that while there is no fixed target, the focus on increasing local participation in federal agencies based in both states.

He noted that progress is measured by the growing presence of Sarawakians and Sabahans serving in deferral departments in their respective states, describing it as a positive development.

Mustapha also encouraged officers from Sarawak and Sabah to gain exposure in Putrajaya and other regions to broaden their experience and enhance service delivery.

“We want our officers to learn different work cultures and bring back that experience to improve governance here,” he said, stressing the importance of interaction and exchange in nation-building.

On MA63, Mustapha said 13 of the 29 matters discussed through the MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63), chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, have been resolved, with discussions on the remaining issues ongoing.

He added that a meeting initially set for Feb 28 had been postponed to March 2 to allow for a technical meeting to iron out related matters.

In his earlier keynote address, Mustapha called on heads of federal departments and agencies in Sarawak to strengthen MA63 implementation, embrace the Malaysia Madani work culture, and reinforce nation-building anchored on unity in diversity.

He said the federal government’s commitment to MA63 has been carried out in a structured manner since 2016, culminating in the formation of the MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63).

Phase 1 of the MA63 Dashboard, launched on Jan 28, has recorded over 6,000 visits, enhancing transparency and public monitoring.

Mustapha also highlighted the recognition of Sarawak’s State Sales Tax (SST) on petroleum products following a commercial settlement agreement with Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), noting collections had reached RM20 billion as of February 2025, providing a significant boost to infrastructure expansion.

He added that interim special grants for Sabah and Sarawak were increased to RM300 million annually under Budget 2024, doubled to RM600 million from Budget 2025 and maintained in Budget 2026.

Development allocations under Budget 2026 total RM12.9 billion, with RM6.9 billion for Sabah and RM6 billion for Sarawak, the largest combined allocation nationwide.

Emphasising nation-building, Mustapha said MA63 should be viewed as a foundation for strengthening the federation rather than reopening old wounds.

Quoting the late former Sarawak Chief Minister Tun Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, he reminded that “unity is a way of life,” urging the Madani machinery at all levels to serve with sincerity, integrity and justice.