KUCHING, Sept 15: Financial allocations from the Federal Government should be provided based on state’s area size and not by the number of population of the state.
Tupong Assemblyman Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman said, it is vital for Federal Government to continue supporting the development in Sarawak by providing adequate allocations for infrastructure and facilities projects.
He added it is necessary to address the perception that the state is being treated as a ‘stepchild’.
“Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia. If the allocation to Sarawak remain based on its total population, then it would simply be inadequate for the implementation of development projects in the state,” he said in a statement in conjunction with the 58th Malaysia Day Celebration Message.
On education, Fazzrudin said a large allocation should also be given by taking into account the situation of schools in the state, its location and also the distribution of students.
“Education policy at the national level should also take into account the plight of students in rural areas and ensure these schools are equipped with necessary equipment,
Just recently, the the federal government and opposition parties had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Transformation and Political Stability.
The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Deputy Youth Chief said this is a right step in practicing democracy by consensus as well as mature politics.
“I hope in the future, whatever problems we face can be resolved prudently through discussion and not disputes,” Fazzruddin added.
In the context of Sarawak, he noted that the restoration of eroded rights under the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63) should be expedited and retains the spirit of partnership and equality between Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya.
“With the new leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, I hope the interests of Sarawak will continue to be prioritised and highlighted in future policy and planning discussions at the national leve,” he said.
