Responding to a question from Wilfred Madius Tangau (Upko-Tuaran), Hanifah told the Dewan Rakyat today she took note of the opposition MP’s suggestion and that Putrajaya would consider it if there was a need.

“However, the branding does not bring anything significant. The matter is just for easy reference and doesn’t add to or take away from the special privileges given to the two states,” she said.

Tangau had asked if Putrajaya planned to rebrand Sabah and Sarawak as “mainland Malaysia”, pointing out that it made up 60% of the land in Malaysia.

Hanifah said “mainland Malaysia” was never used in the Federal Constitution and existing laws for any territories in the nation, with “East Malaysia” and “Peninsular Malaysia” the main terms used.

She said these terms did not refer to the land size of the two regions or the difference in their status as territories.

“The terminology used in the existing laws is sufficient,” she added.