PUTRAJAYA: The government has decided to allow Sabah and Sarawak to decide on the implementation of any infrastructure projects under RM50 million in their respective states, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
At a press conference here today, Anwar noted that there were some delays in the implementation of a few projects in the Bornean states, despite a large amount of funds being allocated, because of bureaucracy.
He said although Sabah and Sarawak have their own public works departments (JKR), many decisions had to be finalised in Putrajaya.
“Though large allocations are given, they are not fully utilised due to the government norm of having to refer to Putrajaya,” he said.
“We have now decided that the implementation of infrastructure projects under RM50 million will be handed over to Sabah and Sarawak to be carried out in accordance with the proper financial regulations.
“Decisions can be made in Kuching or Kota Kinabalu without any delays like in the past.”
Anwar also said he will be chairing a meeting in Kuching on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) by the end of the month.
The meeting will be attended by Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg and Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor.
Among the key topics to be discussed are the special grants for Sabah and Sarawak which are enshrined in Article 112 (D) of the Federal Constitution.
“Sabah was first given RM16 million and Sarawak RM25 million, and it should have been reviewed every five years, but this was not done,” he said.
“Because of that, we have to ensure that there is an appropriate increase in this allocation.
“This is something that has been revived recently, and I will try to finalise this during my meeting with the (Sarawak) premier and Sabah (chief minister).”
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