KUALA LUMPUR – The Sarawak Government has demanded reimbursement from Putrajaya for funds it spent on projects that constitutionally fall under federal responsibility, including the construction of roads, healthcare centres, bridges, and school repairs.
Senator Dato’ Ahmad Ibrahim, in his debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) at the Dewan Negara on Tuesday, said Sarawak had stepped in to ensure the welfare of its people, even when the projects should have been fully funded by the Federal Government.
“The Sarawak Government has acted as the immediate rescuer for the people. But as an equal partner in Malaysia, we demand that these funds be returned in an orderly and transparent manner, with a clear timeframe,” he said.
Dato’ Ahmad also voiced concern over the lack of clarity on repayment timelines, stressing that prolonged delays could weaken the State’s financial planning.
“To this day, we do not know when these reimbursements will be made. Will it be in one year, five years, ten years—or perhaps never at all? This uncertainty burdens Sarawak’s fiscal discipline and erodes the reserves we have built with great care,” he added.
He highlighted that Sarawak’s allocation under the 13MP remains limited, making reimbursement of state-advanced funds even more urgent.
“The people of Sarawak deserve fair treatment, not only in terms of new development allocations but also in the reimbursement of funds already advanced by the State,” he stressed.
Observers note that Sarawak has long been vocal about the need for fairer fiscal treatment, often citing the State’s significant contributions to the national economy. The latest call reflects growing concerns among Sarawakians that development and infrastructure funding remain disproportionately centred in Peninsular Malaysia.
Dato’ Ahmad’s remarks are expected to add pressure on the Federal Government to clarify its position on reimbursements, especially as Sarawak positions itself as a strong financial and development partner within the Federation.