Disburse federal funds based on size of state – S’wak, Sabah CMs

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KOTA KINABALU: Federal allocations should be disbursed rationally based on the size of each state, said Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said Sarawak required more allocations to construct basic infrastructure due to its sizeable land mass.

“If Sarawak was to develop 5G technology, we have to lay fibre optics throughout the state from Lawas to Kuching,” he told a press conference held jointly with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, here yesterday.

Abang Johari, who earlier led a Sarawak delegation to pay a courtesy call on Mohd Shafie, was asked for his response to Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng’s statement that he (Lim) was baffled by the dissatisfaction from Sarawak government officials with the state’s share of federal funds under Budget 2020.

The Sarawak Chief Minister said in comparison, Selangor and Melaka were only about the size of Kuching Division, while pointing out the Sarawak government had to allocate its own funds to construct rural roads and develop basic infrastructure to meet the needs of its people.

This, he added, was why Putrajaya needed to be rational when allocating funds to the state.

Abang Johari said the federal government should not compare Sarawak to other states in Peninsular Malaysia.

The disbursement of allocation based on that rationale was unfair as Sarawak had larger land mass, which required more funds to develop its basic infrastructure, he stressed.

Abang Johari also said knowing the financial challenges faced by the federal government, the Sarawak government had to be innovative in generating its own revenue.

Mohd Shafie, meanwhile, concurred with Abang Johari, saying that the two Borneo states needed far more allocations due to their sizeable land mass and population.

He said the Sabah government realised the federal government’s budget was limited due to the financial standing of the country and the national debt.

“Nevertheless, we have to look at the needs of the states. Both Sabah and Sarawak have large land mass and population, and therefore, certainly need far more allocations.

“We shall seek the federal government’s attention on this matter,” he said.

Nevertheless, Mohd Shafie thanked Putrajaya for the allocation to Sabah despite its financial constraints.

“Although we wish for more funding, we do understand the financial challenges that our country is facing.”

Asked about the omission of 20 per cent oil royalty in Budget 2020, he said this matter would be discussed between Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Abang Johari and himself.

Abang Johari’s courtesy call on Mohd Shafie was a return visit following the Sabah Chief Minister’s visit to Sarawak early this year.

The Sarawak delegation comprised its deputy chief ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, and State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion.