Karambir Singh
Usat Bilong
Antonio Kathi Galis
Yusop Abusamah
MIRI: The Sarawak Bisaya Association welcomes the Sarawak Budget 2019 announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on Nov 5 as it stresses on development.
In declaring their undivided support to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government, its president Antonio Kathi Galis said the huge allocation for development expenditure would bring great relief to the people of Sarawak, especially the rural community who need more development.
“This budget is not only of great help for the rural community but is much needed by the lower-income group,” Antonio told The Borneo Post yesterday.
Antonio, who is also Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Malaysia (Forum) president, said the budget also puts aside allocations for infrastructure and amenities such as roads, electricity and water besides repair of schools in the rural areas.
He also lauded the state government for giving special incentive of RM1,000 to every Sarawakian baby born next year as investment for their future.
Meanwhile, former PBB Supreme Council member Yusop Abusamah praised the Chief Minister for his bold decision to allocate a huge sum for next year’s budget, the biggest ever budget for Sarawak.
“We support Chief Minister Abang Johari’s decision to give a bigger allocation for Sarawak so as to further spur development for the state and the people,” he said.
However, Yusop suggested that a body be appointed to oversee the expenses and projects to prevent misuse of the budget.
President of Persatuan Masyarakat Saban, Usat Bilong, said the Saban community is satisfied with the budget as it will spur development and provision of infrastructure and utilities in the rural areas through the Highland Development Authority (HDA) covering Telang Usan and Mulu state constituencies.
On the incentive for new born babies in 2019, he said it is good for newly married couples as it enables them to have some savings for their children.
On the other hand, Miri Indian Association president Karambir Singh said the Sarawak Budget 2019 is a well-focused budget as 76 per cent (RM9.073 billion) of it would be for development expenditure, describing it as a genuine and people-centric budget for Sarawakians.
“A daring and courageous budget for Sarawak,” he added, specifically referring to the five per cent tax on petroleum products.
He also said the emphasis on digital economy is a necessity as it will benefit all Sarawakians and spur the state’s economic growth.
Karambir, who is also deputy president of Sarawak Indian Society, lauded the inclusion of provisions for cheap housing, saying it shows the state government’s concern for poor people.
“Overall, I am sure all Sarawakians are happy that the Chief Minister and his team have shown they can manage the economy and development of Sarawak,” he said.
“It is now critical the good intentions are translated into action with benefits accruing to Sarawakians as soon as possible,” he said further.
Ultimately, he added, Sarawak must take control of its own oil and gas resources and have the administrative and economic freedom to ensure Sarawakians get the best healthcare, education and infrastructure.