Sarawak eyes Australian model for health, education autonomy

Sarawak is looking to Australia's federal system as a potential blueprint for expanding state autonomy over health and education services, according to deputy premier Dr Sim Kui Hian.

The Australian model provides a useful reference point as Sarawak seeks to consolidate greater state control in these critical sectors under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Dr Sim said. The MA63 framework has long been cited by Sarawak as the constitutional basis for claims to broader powers in various policy areas.

Australia's federal structure grants significant responsibility to state and territory governments over health and education matters, a system that has drawn Sarawak's attention as it negotiates with the federal government for expanded authority. The comparison reflects ongoing efforts by the East Malaysian state to secure greater fiscal and administrative independence.

Sarawak has been incrementally pushing to reclaim powers it argues were transferred to the federal government after independence. Health and education represent key sectors where the state believes it should exercise more direct control, consistent with its interpretation of the MA63 agreement signed in 1963.