“Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg brought this matter up in our discussion for civil servants in Sarawak, but after looking through it, I have decided to implement it nationwide”, Anwar said at a press conference in Kuching.

His announcement came after he chaired a meeting on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) also attended by Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor.

In December, the public services department (JPA) announced a special financial aid of RM700 for civil servants in 2023.

In a circular, JPA deputy director-general (development) Zulkapli Mohamed said civil servants in management and professional groups as well as those in support groups Grade 56 and lower would receive the aid.

Personal drivers of members of the administration, judges and judicial commissioners as well as employees under the MyStep programme will also get this aid.

Earlier, Anwar announced that the special grant to Sarawak has been raised to RM300 million.

He also said the Sarawak state financial secretary has been appointed to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) effective immediately.

He added that he might increase the ceiling of RM50 million for projects in Sabah and Sarawak so that the states can decide and implement them without Putrajaya’s approval.