Sarawak's senior minister today expressed concern that it is most unfortunate if Malaysia is akin to a sugar cane - sweet in the beginning, but less sweet towards the end.

Dr James Masing, who is Land Development Minister and President of Dayak-based Parti Rakyat Sarawak reminded federal leaders of the original understanding struck during the formation of Malaysia.

"There were four signatories (Sarawak, Sabah, Singapore and Malaya) and not 15 to the 20/18 Malaysia Agreement.

"If the federal leaders are not mindful of the Malaysian understanding in 1963, then Malaysia is just like a sugar cane - sweet in the beginning, but less sweet towards the end," he said.

NONE Masing (l eft ) quoted what the late Paramount Chief of the Ibans Jugah Anak Barieng who expressed his worry over the formation of Malaysia that it might be like a sugar cane - ' Anang aja Malaysia tu baka tebu, manis di pun, tabar di ujung ' (sweet in the beginning but less sweet towards the end).

During the formation of Malaysia, Sarawak was promised equal partnership in the federation with rapid economic development and special positions given to the state's natives.

Masing said that the concerns expressed by Jugah seemed to ring true today - 50 years after the formation of Malaysia.

"This is most unfortunate," he said when speaking to Malaysiakini .

Masing was asked to elaborate on his statement which appeared in a local daily today that he wanted Sarawak's position in the Malaysian federation reviewed from the historical aspect.

"Unless the issue is addressed urgently, the BN may have to fight an uphill battle in the next state election in 2016 and the parliamentary election in 2018.

"Is Sarawak one of the 14 states or one of the four regions which signed the Malaysia Agreement?

"If the federal leaders cannot answer this question, the people of Sarawak will continue to be left out in terms of development funds," he was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, PRS Meradong Division came out in support of Masing's call for a review of Sarawak's position in the federation from the historical aspect.

Its Information chief Joseph Allen said that there should be a committee comprising representatives of Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya to discuss the issue urgently.

"After 50 years in the federation, Sarawak is far behind in terms of development, so we need to review the federal financial contribution to the state among others.

"We need to review oil royalty which is 5% at the moment," he said.

Allen said that it is sad to note that Sarawakians are not given senior posts in federal departments as well as lack of civil service intake and promotions for the Dayaks.

"Dayaks should be given more business opportunities including tenders for government projects," he said.