Shared national priorities key to meeting state needs, says Hamzah

Putrajaya should consider each state's unique needs and resources when making decisions, but should do so within the framework of shared economic, education, and social priorities, says Hamzah Zainudin, president of Parti Wawasan Negara. He warns against treating Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak as competing factions, and instead calls for a "One Malaysia" agenda that prioritizes national policies.

Hamzah emphasizes the importance of finding common ground and allowing states to develop their own policies within that framework, rather than viewing state concerns as political demands. He stresses the need for a stronger sense of shared ownership among Malaysians, regardless of where they reside. While recognizing the legitimacy of state authority and local concerns, Hamzah believes that a national-first approach does not mean ignoring state-level policymaking.

He suggests that the federal government should engage in dialogue with states to address issues and find mutually beneficial solutions. The discussion comes at a time when the long-standing Petronas-Sarawak dispute has expanded beyond revenue-sharing to include questions about the balance of federal and state laws, impacting development, investment certainty, and federal finances.