Resource-rich Sarawak's rise gives it greater influence in Malaysia

PoliticsEastern state's economic ambitions help local political force expand federal swayAn AirBorneo jet flying from the Malaysian city of Kuching arrives at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on July 20. (Photo by Norman Goh)NORMAN GOHJuly 24, 2026 12:38 JSTKUALA LUMPUR -- A series of economic initiatives in the state of Sarawak in eastern Malaysia has strengthened the position of the political group that governs it, potentially increasing its influence at the national level ahead of the country's next general election.