SABAH and Sarawak will have full control over the implementation of any development projects under RM50 mil in their respective states, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said this change will allow both states to handle projects at those values without being hampered by bureaucracy and requiring approval from Putrajaya.
“Even with the presence of JKR (Public Works Department) in Sabah and Sarawak, the execution of development projects will need the final say from Putrajaya,” he said during a press conference following a Cabinet meeting earlier today.
“Though large allocations are given, they are not fully utilised due to the government norm of having to refer to Putrajaya.
“We (the Cabinet) as well as the Finance Ministry have agreed to give full autonomy to Sabah and Sarawak for projects valued under RM50 mil, with proper compliance with the established monetary regulations.
“The decisions can now be made in Kuching or Kota Kinabalu [without the need for them to be referred to the federal government].”
Anwar also said that he will be chairing a meeting in Kuching, Sarawak, on matters relating to MA63 that will be attended by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“At the end of last year, I announced the need to speed up the implementation of some pending matters still delayed in the MA63 issue (regarding Sabah and Sarawak) and I have tasked Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof with the chairmanship to expedite matters,” he was reported as saying.
“This is alongside Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Sabah and Sarawak affairs Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali and I congratulate them for hastening the meeting and the decisions that I consider very critical for building a close relationship.” – Jan 4, 2023
Main pic credit: Sadiq Asyraf/Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia
