Among reasons Sabah is stuck and cannot take off

            The current Sabah cabinet ministers.

By Daniel John Jambun, 27-6-2025

WHY Sabah Cannot Emulate Sarawak despite both being resource  - rich Borneo states that joined Malaysia in 1963— A Structural and Leadership Breakdown

1. Leadership Crisis and Political Instability

Unlike Sarawak, which has had relatively stable leadership under a consistent local coalition (PBB-led GPS, formerly part of BN), Sabah has suffered repeated changes in government due to political defections, weak leadership, and backdoor arrangements.

Sabah’s Chief Ministers often lack autonomy and vision, acting more as agents of Putrajaya than defenders of Sabah’s rights. Hajiji Noor, for instance, has been widely perceived as weak and indecisive, with no clear blueprint for long-term development.

2. Overdependence on Malaya-Based Parties

Sarawak made a strategic decision to exit Barisan Nasional in 2018 and form a local coalition (GPS), allowing it to negotiate with federal leaders on equal footing.

In contrast, Sabah remains fragmented between local parties and peninsula-based parties like UMNO, Bersatu, and PKR, all of which place federal interests above state autonomy. This dependence dilutes Sabah’s bargaining power and compromises its development priorities.

3. Failure to Assert MA63 Rights

Sarawak has vigorously pursued its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), especially regarding oil royalties, education autonomy, and immigration control.

Sabah’s leadership, particularly under GRS, has repeatedly failed to assert similar demands — notably on the 40% net revenue entitlement under Article 112C/D of the Federal Constitution. Inaction has cost Sabah billions in forgone revenue.

4. Poor Fiscal Management and Corruption

While both states have faced governance issues, Sabah’s corruption scandals have been more systemic and widespread, ranging from the RM3.3 billion water department scandal to timber and mineral concession abuses. These leakages drain development funds and erode public trust.

Sarawak, while not free from controversy, has maintained better fiscal discipline and channelled revenue into tangible infrastructure, rural electrification, and strategic state-owned enterprises like Petros.

5. Lack of State-Owned Strategic Assets

Sarawak established Petros and aggressively developed its own hydrogen economy, positioning itself as a green energy leader.

Sabah, despite vast oil and gas reserves, has no equivalent entity with real power or autonomy. Sabah Gas Industries and other initiatives have either failed or been sidelined under federal control.

6. Infrastructure Gaps and Uneven Development

Sarawak, due to consistent state-led investment, has made significant progress in connectivity and rural development, including the Pan-Borneo Highway, modern ports, and digital economy hubs.

Sabah continues to lag in basic infrastructure — unreliable electricity, water supply issues, and poor road conditions persist even in urban areas.

7. Demographic and Security Complexities

Sabah faces a unique demographic crisis due to Project IC and the influx of undocumented migrants, complicating governance, electoral integrity, and resource distribution.

Sarawak has not suffered from the same level of identity and citizenship erosion, allowing for more cohesive development planning.

Sabah cannot emulate Sarawak because of a leadership deficit, political dependency, failure to assert constitutional rights, and systemic corruption. Until Sabah breaks free from federal dominance, prioritises local governance, and elects leaders with courage and clarity, the state will remain stuck in a cycle of potential unrealised.

Daniel John Jambun is President of

Change Advocate Movement Sabah (CAMOS).#~Borneo Herald™