Kuala lumpur: The Sarawak government has surpassed its target of filling 80 per cent of key Federal public service posts in the state with locals, while Sabah has recorded nearly 70 per cent, the Dewan Negara was told today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud stated that the achievement was the result of continuous negotiations on the Borneonisation policy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63). Sarawak had initially set a target of 80:20 for key posts to be held by Sarawakians, but the current achievement has surpassed that at 87.5 per cent. "Of the 32 key posts in Sarawak, 28 have been filled by Sarawak-born officers," Mustapha clarified in response to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Edward Linggu Bukut regarding the implementation status of the Borneonisation policy during the Dewan Negara sitting today.

Mustapha highlighted that efforts were continuing in Sabah to reach the state's target of 90 per cent for local representation in key posts. "To date, 69.7 per cent, or 23 out of 33 key posts in Sabah, have been filled by Sabah-born officers," he noted.

Additionally, Mustapha explained that a special working committee had been established under the MTPMA63 to ensure a comprehensive implementation of the Borneonisation policy. This committee, chaired by the Director-General of Public Service, includes representatives from the Public Service Department (PSD), the Sabah and Sarawak governments, as well as relevant Federal ministries and departments.

The Federal Government, through the PSD, continues to support the policy by prioritizing officers from their respective home states for placements, subject to qualifications, merit, and service suitability. Meanwhile, Mustapha also mentioned that a total of 37,575 Federal civil servants from Sabah and Sarawak are currently serving in various sectors across Peninsular Malaysia, comprising 120 officers in the top management group, 15,513 in the management and professional group, and 21,942 in the implementation group.