KUCHING – A proposed constitutional amendment to reclassify tourism as a shared federal-state responsibility is under active review by Malaysia’s top leadership, with Sarawak playing a central role in the discussions.
Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof confirmed that the move seeks to transfer Item 25A (Tourism) from List I (Federal) to List III (Joint) of the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution.
The proposal was formally deliberated during the latest Meeting of the Action Council for the Implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MTPMA63), chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and attended by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari and Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.
The initiative stems from long-standing concerns that tourism now a vital economic driver was unilaterally placed under federal control in 1992 without adequate consultation with states like Sarawak and Sabah.
“At the time, there was no comprehensive dialogue on how this new power would affect state-level autonomy,” Fadillah explained.
He emphasized that while day-to-day administration between federal and state agencies currently functions smoothly, the legal framework lacks clarity.
“Tourism wasn’t envisioned as a federal domain when the Constitution was drafted,” he noted. “Today, it touches land use, cultural heritage, infrastructure, and local businesses, all areas where states have deep expertise.”
To ensure balance, the MTPMA63 Technical Committee has been directed to consult all 13 states not just East Malaysian ones to determine which tourism-related functions should remain federal, which should be jointly managed, and which could be fully devolved to state governments.
The goal, officials say, is not to reduce federal authority but to create a more responsive, cooperative system that reflects modern governance needs and respects the unique cultural and environmental assets of each region.
