Baru Bian
KUCHING: Budget 2020, which was tabled yesterday, is evidence the federal government under Pakatan Rakyat (PH) does not exclude Sabah and Sarawak, says Minister or Works Baru Bian.
He said the government’s focus in the budget was clear to both states, as it strives to narrow the development gap in Sabah and Sarawak.
“I am very happy with this budget, it is clear that the government is focusing on Sabah and Sarawak and this issue was raised in the previous cabinet meeting.
“We (Sabah and Sarawak) are a bit behind in terms of development and the PH government is very aware of this, so we are focusing on the two states and we cannot do it immediately but gradually.
“This is proof that the PH government is responsible and we really focus on the two Borneo states,” he said when met by reporters in Parliament in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Baru said they would also ensure that all the announced projects would be implemented accordingly.
“Just announcing a large budget and many projects means nothing if they are not implemented properly,” he said.
The Sarawak PKR chairman also expressed relief that the Pan Borneo Highway mega project would continue per normal.
He added that the federal government had also announced an allocation of RM600 million for the construction of 40 kilometers of the Trans-Borneo Highway for the Kalabakan-Serudong Road line and the construction of the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security Complex (CIQS) and government quarters.
“Works Ministry has submitted the proposal on this matter to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) before.
“This will connect Sabah and Sarawak and Kalimantan, Indonesia – as we are aware that the Indonesian government will move their capital to Borneo. This is good news for us,” he added.