Presentation
For your information, Sabah and Sarawak have special attention in the Federal Constitution in which other states do not have. The special attention given to both states makes both states differ from other states in several situations. The Federal Constitution gives wider powers compared to other states of the Peninsular. For instance, in several cases, the directives from the Federal government cannot be executed in both states without the consent of the state laws or the respective Yang Di-Pertua Negeri. Below are among the examples that make Sabah & Sarawak differ from other states:
- Changing of number of members of Dewan Rakyat (House of Representative) from Sabah and Sarawak.
Currently, the number of members of Dewan Rakyat from Sabah is 25 while from Sarawak 28. If the Parliament wants to change the number, the consent of Yang Di-Pertua Negeri from both states must be sought first.
- Immigration of citizen from Peninsular to both states
Basically, all citizens are free to travel from one state to another and to reside in any state. However, the Constitution grants power to both states to prevent the entry of Malaysians from the Peninsular to both states.
- Land
Article 89 of the Federal Constitution states the Parliament has power to standardize the land laws and policies on land matters. However, Sabah and Sarawak are not affected by the article. Also, Sabah and Sarawak have fully authority to create Malay reserve land but the other states do not have such authority.
- Financial Matters
Sabah and Sarawak can borrow money from any parties in Malaysia, upon approval by Bank Negara. However, other states can borrow money from the Federal government and any authorized...