PUTRAJAYA, Jan 4: Sarawak and Sabah will have full control over development projects under RM50 million, as announced Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This will include decision making rights to both states to handle projects at those values without the bureaucracy constrain and requiring approval from Putrajaya.
“Even though there are JKR Sabah and Sarawak, the final decision rests on Putrajaya. So even though large allocations were given, they could not be fulfilled because of bureaucracy in coming to a decision from the federal government,” Anwar said in a press conference after chairing a cabinet meeting here today.
“So we have decided, and the Finance Ministry have agreed that all projects under RM50 million be given fully to Sabah and Sarawak to decide.”
Anwar said this is the first step to demonstrate the government’s seriousness in committing to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He added there will also be further allocation from the federal government for Sarawak and Sabah, which will be channeled through the Works Ministry.
Anwar further pointed the Cabinet also discussed on the need to to commit to the MA63, which has been held off for far too long.
The Prime Minister will also chair an MA63 special committee meeting which will be held in Kuching late next month. – TVS
