Dr Annuar says previously, approval would have to be obtained from the Federal Government, which could take a long time.
PUTRAJAYA’S decision to let Sabah and Sarawak directly manage all government projects costing below RM50mil is expected to accelerate repairs to dilapidated schools.
“I see this as a positive decision, especially in our efforts to speed up repairs of schools in Sarawak,” said state Education, Innovation and Talent Development Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee in a Facebook post.
Dr Annuar said that the power given to both states now would also help reduce bureaucracy and further speed up the implementation of projects.
He said that previously when problems cropped up pertaining to the implementation of projects, the state needed to refer to the Federal Goverment and this approval process could take a long time.
“Sarawak has differences in design compared to the peninsula,” he said.
“We also have to look at logistics; for example, the industrialised building system may be used in the peninsula but in Sarawak, it may not be possible because of the distances involved and lack of transportation.”
He added that the cost of repairing and rebuilding schools could amount from RM20mil to RM30mil.
“So with RM50mil, I am sure that the projects to repair schools in Sarawak will be accelerated.”
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced that Sabah and Sarawak no longer needed to go through the Federal Government for projects costing below RM50mil.
The decision took effect immediately as many projects in Sabah and Sarawak had been delayed because they needed to wait for approval from the Federal Government.
Anwar had said he wanted to expedite matters in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
He had entrusted Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali to work on this to revive the spirit of the agreement. — By ANDY CHUA
