KOTA KINABALU: While the decision to give full autonomy to Sabah for development projects up to RM50mil is welcomed, a Bersatu leader here says it should also be extended to larger-scale projects.
Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee in a statement on Thursday (Jan 5) said the limit set will only allow Sabah and Sarawak to handle smaller-scale development initiatives.
“In line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the recognition of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Sabah and Sarawak as technical departments, it is apt that the limit is increased to a higher level (than RM50mil) so that both Borneo states can have autonomy in executing high impact and larger development projects,” said Kiandee.
He said while the recognition is a step forward, the East Malaysian states also needed the Federal Government’s commitment to increase the annual allocation for development so that they can grow at par with other states.
This is important as the rurals of Sabah and Sarawak are still way behind in physical and basic infrastructure development, which required bigger allocation.
The Beluran MP also hoped that the recognition of Sabah and Sarawak’s PWD as technical departments under the Treasury Instructions (AP 182), would mean that the relevant powers were handed over to the states without any conditions.
This is important to allow state governments to plan a more efficient development by reducing bureaucracy, Kiandee added.
“At the same time, I hope the same recognition would be given to the Irrigation and Drainage Department in Sabah and Sarawak,” added Kiandee.
