{
  "id": 8599581,
  "title": "Deputy state minister urges transparent formula to ensure Sarawak gets fair share of federal funding",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/deputy-state-minister-urges-transparent-formula-to-ensure-sarawak",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-20T03:24:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/20/deputy-state-minister-urges-transparent-formula-to-ensure-sarawak-gets-fair-share-of-federal-funding/235838"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sarawak's Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang, has called for a transparent formula to determine the state's annual federal allocation. Currently, the allocation is decided each year, which leads to uncertainty in development funding. Tiang supports Premier Abang Johari's suggestion to implement a formula based on Sarawak's economic contribution and revenue to the country. This would ensure a fair, transparent, and consistent basis for determining the annual funding Sarawak receives. Tiang believes this approach aligns with democratic principles as Sarawak has been a part of Malaysia since its formation. He hopes this funding formula will be considered in the national Budget 2027, along with restoring diesel subsidies and increasing state control over public health funding. Regarding diesel subsidies, Tiang emphasizes that they are crucial for commercial activities and government, welfare, and service delivery across Sarawak. He requests the national budget to restore the previous diesel subsidy policy. Additionally, Tiang proposes that the federal government provide Sarawak with a dedicated public health allocation while allowing the state to decide how the funds are distributed and used.",
  "summary": "SIBU, Sept 20 — Sarawak’s annual federal allocation should be determined through a transparent formula rathe...",
  "key_points": [
    "Sarawak Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang seeks transparent funding formula.",
    "Premier Abang Johari proposes formula based on economic contribution and revenue.",
    "Tiang advocates for diesel subsidies and dedicated public health allocation in Budget 2027."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Sarawak agrees in principle to RM1.5b allocation for Sibu Economic Zone, deputy premier says",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/sarawak-agrees-in-principle-to-rm1-5b-allocation-for-sibu-economic",
        "published": "2026-09-20T04:31:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}