A Sarawak youth leader and a local constitutional lawyer are calling on federal authorities to acknowledge and respect Sarawak’s distinct authority over immigration whenever refugee policy is discussed.

Their appeal responds to recent hints from Putrajaya about possibly expanding refugee admission in Malaysia, including avenues for long-term residency. The youth and lawyer highlight that under the Malaysia Agreement of 1963, Sarawak keeps the power to decide who may enter and reside in the state—a prerogative that must be honoured in any national refugee dialogue.

“Refugee policy isn’t solely a federal issue,” said one youth advocate. “Sarawak’s immigration autonomy is legally guaranteed. We must be heard before decisions impacting our borders or communities are finalised in Kuala Lumpur.”

The lawyer concurred, noting that the Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement grant both Sarawak and Sabah the right to independently screen entrants apart from Peninsular Malaysia. “This is not a mere technicality,” he asserted. “If the federal government intends to award refugees special residence or employment permits here, Sarawak must be consulted and give its approval.”

They also emphasised that local stakeholders—especially younger Sarawakians and civil society organisations—should help shape how refugees are identified and supported. Currently, refugee status in Malaysia is determined by the UNHCR, but there is no binding national framework governing their management or resettlement locations.

“Decisions in Sarawak will directly affect our schools, healthcare services, and labour market,” the youth leader observed. “We need an open and inclusive process that upholds our self-governance rights.”

The lawyer cautioned that disregarding Sarawak’s immigration safeguards could lead to legal challenges under both state and federal law. He recommended that any new refugee-management plan be tabled in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly so that elected representatives—and by extension, local communities—have a formal say.

Both parties urged immediate discussions between Putrajaya, the Sarawak state government, and civil society groups to draft a refugee policy acknowledging the state’s special status. They argued that only through genuine consultation can Malaysia create equitable, practical guidelines that align humanitarian commitments with Sarawak’s constitutional protections.

In conclusion, the youth advocate appealed to federal leaders to honour the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement and collaborate with Sarawak to ensure any amendments to refugee regulations are mutually accepted, legally sound, and politically viable.

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