The year 2025 marks Malaysia’s 68th Independence Day and 62nd Malaysia Day celebration.
For over six decades, Malaysians have lived together as one sovereign, independent nation. Yet, questions still linger over the true extent of unity, not only in terms of race, religion and culture, but also in the relationship between Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
Today’s political climate showed that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) was not only dominant in Sarawak but has also emerged as a new political force in Malaysia.
With 62 years as part of Malaysia, can Sarawak or Sabah one day produce a Prime Minister from Borneo?
In an exclusive interview with journalist Haizir Othman, Kapit MP and Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi shared his views during the Interviu programme held at the Karangkraf Complex in Shah Alam.
Sinar Harian: After more than 60 years of independence, the issue of development imbalance between regions still persists. In your view, have we achieved true unity among the people across all regions?
Nantha: If we take “true unity” as the keyword, frankly, I would say no, we have not yet reached the level of unity we should have, even after more than 60 years as one Malaysia.
Why do I say that? There is still a clear sentiment in Sarawak and Sabah that there’s dissatisfaction over the level of development we have received. By now, these matters should have been settled.
For example, we only recently got the Pan Borneo Highway. In Sarawak, it is completed, but in Sabah, a new phase has just begun. And that’s just the main highway, rural roads are still lacking. Much of Sarawak and Sabah still need basic infrastructure.
Clean treated water hasn’t reached all remote villages and communication issues remain. That’s why you often hear sentiments that Sarawak and Sabah deserve more allocations.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been very firm in saying, “It’s time for Sarawak.” If we cannot rely on federal leaders, then let us do it ourselves with the resources we have.
There are also renewed discussions on matters agreed under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), as we now want to leverage the status given under the agreement.
Sinar Harian: How do you balance Sarawak’s regional demands with your collective responsibility as a Cabinet minister to support the current government for the sake of stability?
Nantha: It’s not a big challenge. While Sarawak is led by GPS with the slogan “Sarawak First”, it doesn’t mean we oppose national development policies or strategies at the federal level.
In the Cabinet, we decide collectively to govern well, safeguard the people’s welfare and manage the economy properly. Issues are discussed and decided with both national and Sarawak interests in mind.
That’s why Sarawak’s political stance is consistent regardless of which party forms the federal government, we support it for the sake of stability. When the federal government is stable, Sarawak can develop in a politically stable environment.
Naturally, GPS’s position is that if we have the opportunity, we will always be part of the federal government so our voice and influence can benefit Sarawak.
Sinar Harian: How is the progress of MA63 so far? Are you satisfied with the latest developments?
Nantha: Many matters have been discussed and agreed upon with the federal government, such as the transfer of Bintulu Port and the approval for Sarawak to take over MASwings, which plays a crucial role in rural air services in Sarawak and Sabah. It will be rebranded as “Air Borneo.”
Sarawak has also set up its own oil and gas company, Petros, which operates like Petronas. Much has been agreed to, though some matters still require refinement.
In 2022, the Constitution was amended to recognise Sarawak not just as a state but as a region.
Sinar Harian: Recently in Parliament, you said abolishing tolls is not a practical move. Will we ever see a toll-free Malaysia?
Nantha: It’s easy to say “abolish tolls,” but implementing it is another matter entirely. The financial implications are huge.
Malaysia has 33 tolled highways. If tolls are abolished, where will the government get billions of ringgit annually for maintenance to ensure safety and comfort? Roads also need complete resurfacing over time, not just patching.
If tolls are abolished before concession agreements end, the government must compensate concessionaires, which is a massive cost. That’s why I support the “user pays” principle, those who use the highways should pay for them.
When concessions expire, the highways return to the government, which can then decide whether to reduce or abolish tolls.
The Pan Borneo Highway was planned from the start to be toll-free because it is the main road in areas where no proper highways previously existed.
Sinar Harian: In the context of satisfaction with the current federal government, with calls for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to resign, how do you respond to the opposition’s demands?
Nantha: I don’t think Anwar should step down. It’s not reasonable to ask him to resign now, the Madani Government has only been in power for just over two years.
Let him implement his plans and improve governance. Managing the economy and ensuring the people’s well-being is not easy, especially with external challenges such as US tariffs. So far, Malaysia remains competitive.
Politics should be set aside for now, the opposition’s role as a check and balance is valid, but it must have limits and principles. Taking to the streets can create instability and harm Malaysia’s image abroad.
We may not have achieved all reforms yet, but governance improvements take time. The Prime Minister should be given space and support to rebuild the nation.
Sinar Harian: When will we see a Prime Minister from Sarawak?
Nantha: For me, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (Deputy Prime Minister) is capable and fit to be Prime Minister. His work ethic, character and leadership qualities speak for themselves.
It is not about taking over, but if there is an opportunity, I believe Abang Johari is also highly qualified.