Sarawak’s pursuit of greater autonomy grounded in MA63, Federal Constitution, says SBF sec-gen

KUCHING (March 29): Sarawak’s pursuit of greater autonomy must not be mischaracterised, as it is a legitimate effort grounded in history and the Federal Constitution, said Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) secretary-general Datuk Jonathan Chai Voon Tok.

He said recent narratives portraying Sarawak’s aspirations as excessive or detrimental to national unity were misleading and reflected a misunderstanding of the state’s constitutional position and its role in the formation of Malaysia.

“At the outset, it must be clearly stated that Sarawak is not merely one of the constituent states of the Federation in the conventional sense. Its position is rooted in a distinct historical process.

“In 1963, Sarawak, together with Malaya, Singapore and Sabah (North Borneo then), came together to form Malaysia under the framework of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). This was not an act of absorption, but one of negotiated partnership based on mutual consent and agreed safeguards,” he said in a statement.

He pointed out that under MA63, Sarawak was accorded specific rights and protections, including control over immigration, land and natural resources, as well as unique administrative arrangements.

“These were not concessions granted after formation, but integral conditions upon which the Federation itself was established.

“Therefore, what is often described today as ‘seeking greater autonomy’ is, in essence, an effort to restore and operationalise original constitutional guarantees,” he said.

From a legal perspective, Chai, a lawyer by profession, said the Federal Constitution clearly outlines the division of powers between the Federation and the states.

However, he noted that over time, there has been a trend towards centralisation, with certain areas evolving beyond the original intent of the constitutional framework.

“It is within this context that Sarawak’s present position must be understood—not as a departure from the system, but as a call to realign it,” he said.

Chai also said that it is important to recognise that federalism is not a rigid structure but a dynamic balance between unity and diversity.

“Mature federations around the world function effectively precisely because they accommodate regional distinctions while maintaining national cohesion.

“To equate decentralisation or autonomy with disunity is to rely on an outdated and overly simplistic narrative that does little to strengthen the Federation in the long run,” he said.

He said Sarawak’s vast geography, dispersed population and higher infrastructure costs necessitate greater administrative flexibility.

“With its vast territory, dispersed population and significantly higher infrastructure costs, a uniform, centralised policy approach is often impractical.

“Empowering the state with greater decision-making authority is therefore not only reasonable, but essential for effective governance and equitable development,” he added.

Chai further said issues surrounding the management of natural resources, particularly oil and gas, should be viewed through the lens of constitutional rights and historical agreements.

“These are not newly invented claims, but long-established principles embedded within the founding understanding of Malaysia.

“As such, Sarawak’s position should therefore be regarded as one of legitimate entitlement, rather than contention,” he said.

He stressed that Sarawak’s pursuit of greater autonomy is aimed at strengthening, not weakening, the Federation.

“It is to strengthen it by ensuring that it functions in accordance with its founding principles.

“It is not about confrontation, but about restoring balance and fairness within the system,” he said.

At a time when public discourse is increasingly shaped by soundbites and simplifications, he said it is imperative that this issue be approached with clarity, historical awareness, and legal integrity.

“Mischaracterising Sarawak’s position serves no constructive purpose and risks undermining informed national dialogue,” he added.

Chai called on all stakeholders to engage constructively in advancing the full realisation of MA63.

“This is not merely a matter concerning Sarawak. It is a test of Malaysia’s commitment to honouring its own foundational agreements.

“A stronger Malaysia will not emerge from uniformity imposed from the centre, but from a federation that respects its diversity, upholds its promises and evolves in line with both its history and its people’s aspirations,” he said.