Datuk Fadillah Yusof
KUCHING: The Works Ministry will be chairing a meeting soon to discuss project implementation priorities and strategies for the state.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud would be present at the meeting, said Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof.
“During the meeting, discussions and decisions will be made on the best available options to carry out works within the allocated budget,” he told The Borneo Post, adding that identified projects would be assigned priority status.
In addition to this meeting, Fadillah said he would also be holding discussions with Taib to brief him on his ministry’s plans and programmes.
Asked about rural development, Fadillah said the decision on rural projects would be made after consulting the federal and state governments.
“We will also take into account the people’s feedback,” he said when asked to comment on a statement by Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Sunday that special provisions would be sought to construct a road linking Sibu to Kapit under the Blue Ocean Strategy.
“The main objective of rural development is to reduce and close the gap between those living in the urban and rural areas,” stressed Petra Jaya MP Fadillah.
Rural development, he added, was important in order to improve the government’s delivery system. It would also bode well for the government in terms of integrity and good governance.
Fadillah said rural developments encompassed several aspects such as human capital development, economic and job opportunities.
“This is the commitment of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who had given instructions to all ministers to put their heads together to give focus on helping the people.”