KUCHING – Sarawak has urged for the Technical Committee under the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MTPMA63) to be strengthened, with a renewed focus on governance and administrative oversight.
The call was made by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, who emphasised the need for greater accountability among federal agencies in managing issues that directly affect Sarawak.
Dr Sim explained that the request was aimed at enhancing the technical integrity of senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), and the Public Service Department (JPA).
He noted that these agencies must take greater responsibility in addressing matters that have long been delayed or inadequately resolved.
“The issue of financial management and administrative oversight has already been raised with JPA, EPU and the Ministry of Finance. Arrangements have been made, but progress has been slow, and the challenges remain unresolved,” he said, stressing that inefficiencies have hindered Sarawak’s ability to move forward.
He pointed out that the matter was not merely bureaucratic but had real implications for service delivery, citing examples such as healthcare management at the Batu Kawa Clinic.
According to him, unresolved issues have created unnecessary burdens for staff and slowed down reforms.
Dr Sim further stated that Sarawak has asked Senior Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof to bring the matter to the Supreme Council of MTPMA63, particularly to discuss autonomy in leadership and policymaking.
He argued that Sarawak requires stronger decision-making powers to ensure policies reflect the state’s priorities.
Highlighting the urgency, Dr Sim remarked that some issues have lingered for nearly a decade, despite repeated discussions.
He referenced delays in staffing and resource allocation at Sarawak General Hospital, which have affected service quality and strained personnel.
“Problems such as staffing shortages cannot be postponed indefinitely. Thousands of staff are needed to manage the workload, yet the process has been slow and unresponsive,” he said, adding that the lack of timely action has undermined efficiency.
He stressed that the technical committee must not only serve as a platform for discussion but also deliver concrete outcomes.
“This matter is crucial. The pace has been too slow, and we need to ensure that leadership policies are properly implemented,” he said.
The renewed push reflects Sarawak’s determination to secure greater autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement of 1963, ensuring that governance structures are responsive to the state’s needs.
Officials believe that strengthening the technical committee will help bridge gaps in policy execution and reinforce Sarawak’s position in national decision-making.
