Opinion: Sarawak shouldn't set up its own space agency
News in question: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/20/sarawak-to-set-up-space-agency-targets-first-nanosatellite-launch-by-2030/
As you might have read this past day, the Premier has announced the establishment of Sarawak Space Agency (SSA) in the near future.
I speak as a genuine nerd when it comes to the history of aerospace development when I say this should not be the prerogative of the Sarawak State Government.
On principle: If we truly believe in the federal model of Malaysia, the activity of aerospace development and space exploration must be done at the national/federal level. Space exploration must be a national, combined, shared collaboration where all 13 states should come together to contribute brains and material as a joint venture that benefits all Malaysians.
On risk management: The risk of failure is concentrated within Sarawak. Remember in 2009 when Malaysia sent RazakSat to space, costed RM150 million, and the satellite failed within a year with thousands of satellite photos deemed unusable? Imagine if a similar incident happens under SSA? The perceived responsibility for failure will fall solely onto SSA and the Sarawak Government. Another is the risk of doing international deals on our own as the Norway Missile deal and Tesla cancelling expansion in Malaysia has showed. If the Sarawak Government entered a deal with a private company to provide materials with millions on the line and the deal falls through, Sarawakians will feel the financial loss a lot closer to their hearts. A failed rocket launch would be a Sarawakian failure, subject to Peninsular ridicule. But a successful rocket launch would be a Sarawakian success, and
Peninsulars will question Sarawak's role in the federation.
Again, I LOVE SPACE AND ROCKETS. But there are other ways for Sarawak to lead in regional aerospace development without the massive risk management.
I cannot see why the government can't just create a programme for top Sarawakian graduates in engineering and aerospace send them to Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) sebab it already exists! Or even help set up MYSA branch in Sarawak and launch pad and staff it with qualified Sarawakians? Itu yang paling basic.
Please share your thoughts!
>!I believe none of these hard questions are being asked because few care enough to think of it. The Sarawak Gov has more money than they know what to do with it.!<