Why do Sabah and Sarawak differ in their approach to the Malaysian Federation?

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Divergent Political Strategies Shape Sabah and Sarawak's Relationship with the Federation

Sabah and Sarawak have adopted distinct approaches to their engagement with the Malaysian Federation, largely shaped by differing political developments and strategic choices in the years following the 2018 general election. While Sarawak, through the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), has maintained a stance of strategic autonomy and focused on state interests, Sabah has experienced greater political volatility, navigating shifts in federal power and internal instability. Both states, however, share a common aspiration for greater autonomy, as evidenced by their unified championing of The Malaysia Agreement (MA63) and subsequent constitutional amendments.
Sarawak's Strategic Autonomy Under GPS

Following the 2018 general election, Sarawak's component parties, which had previously operated under the Barisan Nasional (BN) umbrella, rebranded themselves as Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). This move signalled a deliberate detachment from Peninsular Malaysian political entanglements, allowing GPS to prioritise Sarawak's specific interests. By supporting the federal government of the day, initially Mahathir Mohamad's Pakatan Harapan and later Muhyiddin Yassin's Perikatan Nasional (PN), GPS has consistently leveraged its position to advocate for increased state autonomy and a greater share of federal resources. This strategy allows Sarawak to avoid the "Malay debate" prevalent in Peninsular Malaysia and maintain a distinct political identity, refusing to entertain parties that contest within its state borders, such as DAP and PKR.
Sabah's Volatility and Shifting Alliances

In contrast, Sabah's political landscape has been far more turbulent. The 15-year tenure of Musa Aman as Chief Minister was marked by graft accusations and the state's underdevelopment. After the 2018 election, the Warisan party, led by Shafie Apdal, emerged victorious, initially aligning with the federal Pakatan Harapan government. However, this period of relative stability was short-lived. Following Mahathir's resignation in early 2020 and the subsequent formation of Muhyiddin's PN government, Warisan faced significant pressure. A critical juncture occurred when 13 assemblymen defected, prompting Shafie Apdal to call for a snap election in September 2020. This election saw BN and PN emerge victorious, leading to the appointment of Hajiji Noor as Chief Minister. The current political dynamic in Sabah is complicated by the fact that the federal government is now led by BN, not PN, potentially isolating PN-led Sabah as the next general election approaches.
The Unifying Force of MA63

Despite their divergent political paths, both Sabah and Sarawak have found common ground in their advocacy for The Malaysia Agreement (MA63). This foundational agreement, which underpins the formation of Malaysia, respects the distinct historical and constitutional positions of the Borneo states compared to those in Peninsular Malaysia. The shared commitment to MA63 has led to constitutional amendments that acknowledge these differences, representing a significant practical and symbolic victory for both states. This unified front on MA63 underscores a mutual desire for greater recognition and self-governance within the Federation.
Economic Disparities and Future Challenges

The differing political strategies also occur against a backdrop of significant economic disparities. Both Sabah and Sarawak are home to a disproportionately high number of Malaysia's poorest districts. While Sarawak, under GPS, appears to have navigated the federal political landscape more effectively to secure greater autonomy and resources, Sabah faces a more precarious situation. The state's political fragmentation and its current alignment with PN, which is at odds with the federal BN leadership, present substantial challenges. The potential for isolation and the ongoing volatility create a complex environment, with the article suggesting that Sabah is "burning the candle from both ends" and "disaster sits and waits for the state," highlighting the urgent need for a stable and effective governance model.

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Why do Sabah and Sarawak differ in their approach to the Malaysian Federation?

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