KUCHING: Sarawak is negotiating a formula with the Federal Government for the annual special grant under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

       The Sarawak Premier said in principle, the amount of the grant should be based on the nation's revenue.

       "If the country is doing well, you share (the wealth). If the country is not doing well, we share the burden together.

       "What we don't want is for the Federal Government to make money but not share it with us.

       "But we are very practical and pragmatic. If the revenue is less, then the grant will be less.

       "We also must be concerned about the financial position of the Federal Government," he told reporters after attending a Hari Raya gathering with his Gedong constituents here on Thursday (May 5).

       Article 112D allows the special grants for Sabah and Sarawak to be reviewed by the Federal and state governments. The grants were last reviewed in 1969.

       On April 14, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the special grant for Sabah would be increased from RM26.7mil to RM125.6mil this year after Putrajaya and the state government reached a consensus on the matter.

       He announced this after chairing a meeting on the Malaysia Agreement 1963, particularly on the special grant, which was attended by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Abang Johari.

       However, there was no announcement on the special grant for Sarawak.

       Asked about this, Abang Johari said he insisted on a formula for Sarawak during the meeting.

       "Sabah is Sabah, we are Sarawak. (The grant) must be based on certain principles," he said.