Anwar expected to unveil interim payment for Sarawak at tonight's Malaysia Day celebration

KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to announce an interim payment for Sarawak when he speaks at the national-level Malaysia Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching tonight.

The signal came from Anwar himself in Kota Kinabalu on Sept 11, shortly after he chaired the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council meeting at the Sabah International Convention Centre.

"I can also announce an interim measure for Sarawak," he told reporters after the meeting.

At the same meeting, the federal government agreed to raise Sabah's interim payment to RM1.5 billion from RM600 million. Anwar said the money was expected to be disbursed by late October or early November.

The Sarawak figure is still being worked out with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, he said, with the finance side asked to study a formula that takes the country's fiscal capacity into account.

Anwar had earlier hinted at a run of announcements while addressing a youth gathering in Klang on Aug 20, pointing to three moments: the eve of National Day, Malaysia Day in Kuching, and the tabling of Budget 2027 in early October. He did not say what they would cover.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, who inspected final preparations at BCCK yesterday, said the technical side was in satisfactory shape. Among the items being attended to were giveaways for visitors on the night of the celebration, including at the Kuching Waterfront.

Internet coverage at the venue was optimal, he added, after he took the matter up with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

"I have spoken to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to ensure our media friends have sufficient access to the internet," Fahmi said.

This year's celebration is being held entirely indoors. Outdoor events were called off in early September, when the Air Pollutant Index in several parts of Sarawak reached hazardous levels, including 320 in Serian, 318 in Kuching and 302 in Samarahan.

Fahmi said at the time that cloud seeding was not an option because cloud formation and wind movement were unsuitable, and any rain would likely fall over areas that were not affected. He advised those attending to wear masks.

"All visitors should wear face masks, preferably the N95 type, especially if they are outdoors for long stretches," he said.

The main event begins at 8.15pm in the presence of the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, with Anwar, Abang Johari and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in attendance.

The programme includes the symbolic cutting of glutinous yellow rice, the signing of the Malaysia Day special book, the raising of the Jalur Gemilang accompanied by Negaraku, and the Rukun Negara pledge. Performances feature silat, hadrah, gendang pampat, a lion dance and a Malaysia formation theatre piece, alongside Dayang Nurfaizah, Faizal Tahir and Stacy with more than 50 Sarawak artists. A fireworks display is set for the Kuching Waterfront.

The celebration comes against the backdrop of MA63 changes that have already taken effect. Bintulu Port formally shifted from a federal port to a Sarawak state port on Sept 1, through the repeal of Act 858 and Act 859.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia, Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd said the transition would not affect the port's daily operations or services to customers and other stakeholders. The operating framework rests on a July 27 agreement between the Sarawak government, the Bintulu Port Authority (Sarawak) and Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd, pending a port operations concession agreement.

An accompanying exhibition on the formation of Malaysia is running at Plaza Merdeka from Sept 10 to 16.