Kota Kinabalu: Sabah hopes the Federal Government will expedite the upgrading of infrastructure and quality public facilities in the State following Indonesia’s decision to move its capital to Nusantara in Kalimantan.
Dewan Negara member Senator Datuk Bobbey A Suan said efforts to improve infrastructure and public facilities are also important for Sabah to reap the large economic spillover from Nusantara.
“The people of Sabah hope that the infrastructure and public facilities in the State will be on par with the neighbouring country. It is hoped that the Government will provide financial allocation for quality infrastructure and public facilities,” he said in a statement, Friday.
On Jan 9, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during his official visit to Indonesia, was reported to have said that Malaysia will find the best way to ensure the development of Indonesia’s new capital Nusantara in Kalimantan would benefit the regional economies of Sabah and Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Bobbey suggested that the Federal Government establish a Philippine Consulate General in Sabah to overcome the issue of illegal immigrants, which has caused various social problems in the State.
“With its presence in Sabah, issues related to illegal immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers can be dealt with firmly by the Government to ensure that the country is protected from any form of security threats,” he said.
On the issue of poverty in Sabah, he hoped that the Federal Government could outline specific goals and strategies to free Sabah from being the region with the slowest economic growth and the highest level of poverty in Malaysia.
“The Federal Government should outline a micro approach in synchronisation with the State Government through economic empowerment, digitalisation and technology. This includes entrepreneurship to eradicate extreme poverty and increase economic growth.
“Now, I just hope, wait and see what the current government’s approach and method is to develop the eight most backward districts in Sabah within these two years,” he said.
Bobbey also appreciated the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving issues related to the claims of the governments of Sabah and Sarawak regarding the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
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