KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah and Sarawak state governments should refer to the Malaysia Agreement to improve the delivery system to the people following the devolution of powers as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last week, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
He said the move was needed to ensure efficiency in the administration of both states.
“We hope to increase our capacity through the devolution of powers.
“We will hold further discussions (with the federal government) and will provide guidance and pointers about what should be given attention by the federal government,” he told reporters here yesterday.
On Sept 16, Najib announced that the federal government had agreed that there would be a devolution of powers for Sabah and Sarawak as it was compatible with the desire of the two state governments to play a more important role in reflecting the aspirations of the people there.
Pairin said the devolution of powers was good for the nation as it would enable the state governments to make quick decisions on matters relating to the people. — Bernama