Meradong MP Ding optimistic of development in autonomous Sarawak

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DATUK Ding Kuong Hiing, BN-Meradong is optimistic that Sarawak will be a developed state once full autonomy is restored.

“To the contrary, we would be enjoying tremendous boost in the developments of our lands, urban infrastructure, agriculture, logistic needs, education, medical care, youth entrepreneurship, tourism, rural transformation as well as flight connectivity,” he said when debating on the 2018 State Budget in the State Legislative Assembly meeting yesterday.

Ding was referring to the motion moved by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah on Thursday to restore the position of Sarawak to full autonomy.

He noted that the ‘fight’ for Sarawak’s autonomy was triggered by former Chief Minister the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and is now continued by current Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“We have these courageous and outspoken state leaders who are there not only to remind the Federal Government as to our rights provided in the MA63, they took steps to ensure Sarawak is restored to the position with full autonomy as in 1963,” he added.

Touching on the state budget, he commended Abang Johari for tabling a comprehensive and development biased budget that would continue to stimulate economic activities and sustain the economic growth in 2018.

Commenting on the RM1 billion allocation for digital infrastructure and related programmes under the Sarawak Digital Economy initiatives, he said this showed that the Sarawak Government is serious and committed in realising our vision of becoming a major player in digital economy.

On the issues faced by the people in his constituency he listed out the need to expedite the drainage and irrigation masterplan to curb incidences of flash floods in the area.

“A proper and well-designed drainage system network will go a long way to ensure a more systematic and well planned infrastructure development towards ensuring a sustainable development in years to come,” he added.

He suggested that the Rajang Teachers Training College which will cease operation soon be turned into a polytechnic or an agricultural training centre.

“The people of Meradong have a fond memory of the college and to soften the blow, the state government should turn it into a training centre,” he added.