Cultural get-together: People in their traditional attire livening up the atmosphere at the Darul Hana bridge, Kuching, in conjunction with Minggu Perpaduan 2023 (National Unity Week). — Bernama
KUCHING: Sarawak wants the Federal Government to delegate more powers to the state government.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the recognition of the state Public Works Department and Irrigation and Drainage Department as technical departments was laudable as it gave the state government the authority to implement federal projects worth up to RM50mil.
“This is a clear manifestation that decentralisation is the right move.
“In fact, it is necessary for the Sarawak government to be given more autonomy so that we can deliver services to the rakyat in an effective manner.
“We will continue to pursue with the Federal Government to have more federal projects approved for Sarawak and the funds to be directly channelled to the state,” he told the state assembly during his winding-up speech yesterday.
Awang Tengah also called on the Federal Government to address the issue of empowering Sarawak on education and health.
He said this would enhance and upgrade education and health services in the state for the benefit and well-being of Sarawakians.
In addition, Awang Tengah said all matters related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) must be implemented immediately.
“As we all know, the Malaysia Agreement had been agreed in 1963 and not yesterday.
“MA63 is the foundation for the formation of our nation. In fact, there is no Malaysia if there is no Malaysia Agreement 1963.
“That is why it is important for the Federal Government to sincerely honour and fulfil the constitutional rights of Sarawak, which is an equal partner in the formation of the federation,” he said.
