PUTRAJAYA: Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud’s (pic) role goes beyond coordinating between Putrajaya and the two State governments, according to an analyst.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Syahruddin Awang Ahmad said the portfolio allowed East Malaysian interests to be taken into account during the formulation of Federal policies before they were finalised by the Cabinet.
These included concerns over the cost of living, funding and matters related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), he told Free Malaysia Today (FMT).
Syahruddin said the ministerial post also allowed socioeconomic issues, constitutional rights and infrastructure development affecting Sabah and Sarawak to be raised directly with the Federal Government.
He said this was important as the needs of East Malaysians, including those arising from geographical barriers and travel costs, differed from challenges faced in the peninsula.
“A Sabah and Sarawak affairs portfolio allows for more targeted resolutions to address the realities in East Malaysia,” he said.
His comments came after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on Sept 16 that Sarawak’s interim special grant would be increased to RM1.5 billion.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, had earlier announced that Sabah’s interim special grant would be increased to RM1.5 billion pending the determination of a formula for the quantum.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Mara’s Arvin Tajari said the Minister had a responsibility to ensure Sabah and Sarawak’s rights were safeguarded in dealings with the Federal Government.
He said the role was particularly important on issues concerning federalism and the implementation of MA63.
However, both analysts said the effectiveness of the portfolio should not be measured solely by progress made through policies.
Arvin said the Minister should be more proactive in pushing for MA63 demands to be fulfilled and explaining developments in negotiations between Putrajaya and the Sabah and Sarawak governments.
Syahruddin said the portfolio’s effectiveness could also be gauged by progress in resolving MA63-related issues, including revenue entitlement and the devolution of administrative powers.
He said while recent Federal announcements represented progress in addressing development gaps, sustained commitment was needed to realise MA63 demands.
