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KUALA LUMPUR – The formula of the special grant increase to Sabah and Sarawak, based on Article 112D of the federal constitution, will be finalised in the first meeting of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63) chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, scheduled for February.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said in a statement that the meeting, to involve Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor, would be held in Kuching, Sarawak.
“The first meeting scheduled in February will also be the 10th prime minister’s first official visit to Sarawak,” he said.
Fadillah said the MA63 Technical Committee he chaired would oversee and continue discussions with all agencies, and finalise undecided matters to be brought to MTPMA63.
The prime minister today announced several matters involving MA63, including that the special grant for the two states would be reviewed every five years for a more reasonable sum.
Anwar also said the Finance Ministry has agreed that any projects costing below RM50 million in Sabah and Sarawak would be decided solely by the state governments, adhering to financial regulations.
Meanwhile, Fadillah said the government has given its commitment to proceed with the Pan Borneo Highway project in Sarawak and Sabah to improve the federal road infrastructure in the two states, by stages.
According to him, the Sarawak Pan Borneo project is now 91% complete, while the Sabah Pan Borneo project is 73% complete.
He said the government is also committed to continue the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) Project, which is divided into two phases – namely SSLR Phase 1 (Lawas-Long Lopeng Junction), which is now 10% complete, SSLR Phase 2, and the Trans Borneo Highway involving Miri-Limbang-Lawas.
“The Trans Borneo Highway will start as soon as the Public Works Ministry finishes appointing a contractor, which is expected to be finalised in 2024,” he said.
Fadillah said Anwar’s announcement today proved the government’s commitment and determination to resolve all outstanding issues related to MA63, empower the agreement, and strengthen the people's infrastructure in both states. – Bernama, January 4, 2023