'First Time I Was Handed Money Instead of Being Asked': PM Anwar Praises Sarawak After RM1.8 Billion Cheque
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'For the first time in my career, a state government handed me a cheque instead of asking for allocations.'
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made this remark at the State-level Gawai Dayak 2026 Gala Dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Sunday night, after Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas presented him with a RM1.8 billion cheque from the Sarawak government.
The cheque relates to the Bintulu Port regulatory handover — a major MA63 milestone that officially transferred control to Sarawak.
Anwar said the gesture proves that when a state is managed well, with competent leadership and sound fiscal governance, it can deliver. He specifically saluted Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his team.
He also addressed critics in Peninsular Malaysia who have opposed devolving strategic assets back to East Malaysia under MA63, arguing that Sarawak has developed the institutional maturity to manage major infrastructure on its own.
'Throughout my time leading the government, despite complex negotiations, there has never been a single threat or ultimatum from Sarawak. This is the true spirit of consensus, maturity, and understanding of the Federal Constitution,' he added.
Anwar also touched on international diplomacy, revealing that Malaysia secured a 20-year energy supply guarantee from Russia, won the management of Gas Fields 9 and 10 in Turkmenistan through PETRONAS, and that Japan has requested similar long-term gas supply agreements.
Location: BCCK, Kuching
Details: RM1.8 billion cheque from Sarawak govt; Bintulu Port handover; MA63 progress; PM praises Sarawak leadership
Source: DayakDailyWhat do you think about the progress of MA63 talks?
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