She said any move towards autonomy would require a formal expression of intent from the respective state governments, along with assurance of their capability to assume administrative, financial, human resource and governance responsibilities.
Hanifah Hajar said the matter was also raised and discussed at a meeting of the MA63 Implementation Action Council, chaired by the prime minister with the Sarawak premier and Sabah chief minister.
“The government understands the desire of Sabah and Sarawak to have greater authority in driving their own economic development, but its implementation is not as simple as it seems.
“Insya-Allah, once there is an agreement on the scope of autonomy, it will be announced,” she said during question time at the Dewan Rakyat.
She was responding to a supplementary question from Anyi Ngau (GPS-Baram) on the government’s stance regarding Sabah and Sarawak’s request for greater autonomy in economic development planning.
Responding to Anyi’s main question on strategic plans to ensure the implementation of basic infrastructure projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) in rural areas to reduce the development gap, Hanifah Hajar said the plan would focus on three main pillars: raising the ceiling, lifting the floor, and strengthening governance.
She said the 13MP would prioritise the expansion of rural roads, improved access to clean water, electricity, education and healthcare facilities, as well as digital connectivity, based on data, people’s needs and state priorities.
Monitoring systems such as MyRMK and MyProjek will also be utilised to ensure transparent and systematic project implementation, she added.
To a supplementary question from Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) on ensuring that underdeveloped areas are not left behind, she said the 13MP would emphasise four key strategies, including accelerating development in lagging regions and strengthening economic integration.
“Transparent monitoring mechanisms will also be implemented, including regular reporting and engagement sessions in rural areas to directly hear the people’s views,” she said.