Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan speaking in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (Nov 20). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak is seeking the creation of a trust fund to initiate federal-funded development projects in the state, says Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
The Deputy Premier said this would expedite implementation by entrusting the projects to Sarawak's control.
"To streamline the process, we propose chanelling federal funds for Sarawak's development projects directly into a trust fund managed by the state financial secretary," he told the Sarawak Legislative Assembly in his winding-up speech on Wednesday (Nov 20).
Awang Tengah said this was one of several matters pending decisions by the Federal Government in ongoing discussions to address Sarawak's demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Other outstanding requests include the recognition of the Rural Water Supply Department as a technical department and development along the Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan border.
Sarawak also wants the Borneonisation of the federal public service in the state to be implemented. This gives priority to Sarawakians to hold senior positions in the federal civil service as provided for under MA63.
Additionally, Awang Tengah called for a fixed formula to be decided for Sarawak's special annual grant under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.
He commended Putrajaya for increasing the amount from RM16mil to RM300mil this year and RM600mil starting 2025.
"However, this remains an interim measure. A fixed formula should be agreed upon so that a comprehensive financial review, as guaranteed under the Constitution, can be conducted without further delay," he said.
