RM1.5B interim grant not final

KUCHING: The RM1.5 billion interim payment is not the final word on Sarawak’s special grant, as the State continues to seek an approved formula for determining its entitlement.

Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said the payment remained an interim measure, with Sarawak still awaiting the Federal Government’s approval of the formula it had proposed as the basis for calculating the special grant.

“The interim payment is still only an interim payment. We are thankful to the Federal Government for the payment, but we are still awaiting approval for the ‘formula’ we presented as a basis for calculation of the special grant,” she said when contacted by Sarawak Tribune yesterday (Sept 20).

Sharifah Hasidah said having an approved formula was important to ensure future disbursements were made transparently, fairly and objectively.

“It is important that the special grant be disbursed based on an approved formula to ensure transparency, fairness and objectivity,” she said.

She said the RM1.5 billion should therefore be viewed in the context of the ongoing process to determine the appropriate mechanism for the special grant, rather than as a final settlement of the issue.

Sarawak will receive a RM1.5 billion interim special grant from the Federal Government, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced during the national-level Malaysia Day 2026 celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Sept 16.

Anwar said the allocation reflected the spirit of solidarity and cooperation within the Malaysian Federation, amid ongoing discussions between Putrajaya and Sarawak on the State’s financial entitlement.

The payment comes as both governments continue working towards a clearer formula for determining future disbursements, with Anwar previously indicating that the arrangement would take into account the country’s financial position and current fiscal capacity.