Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister not just a coordinator, says analyst

Analyst Syahruddin Awang Ahmad of Universiti Malaysia Sabah has cautioned against viewing Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister Mustapha Sakmud solely as a coordinator between Putrajaya and the two states. Instead, Mustapha's role has expanded to ensure that federal policies consider East Malaysian interests, including living costs, funding, and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

This portfolio enables him to actively engage in formulating policies before Cabinet approval and to raise socioeconomic concerns and constitutional rights directly with the government.

Recently, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim raised Sarawak's special grant to RM1.5 billion and Sabah's from RM300 million to the same amount. Syahruddin sees these increases as significant, given East Malaysians' unique challenges arising from geographical barriers and travel costs, which are distinct from those of West Malaysians. Arvin Tajari of Universiti Teknologi Mara emphasized that the minister must safeguard Sabah and Sarawak's rights in dealings with the federal government, particularly in federalism and implementing MA63.

Both analysts agreed that the minister's effectiveness can be measured not just by policy progress but by his ability to resolve MA63-related issues, such as revenue entitlement and administrative power devolution. While Anwar's recent announcements are a positive step, a steady commitment to addressing East Malaysia's specific needs is crucial to the minister's success.