Abang Jo proposes trust fund for fed-funded projects, reveals PM agrees in principle

Abang Johari speaks during the press conference after officiating at the Abang Jo Cup 2022 and opening of SBA's new badminton hall at Lorong Lapangan Terbang 1 in Kuching on Dec 4, 2022.

By Ashley Sim and Ling Hui

KUCHING, Dec 4: Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim has agreed in principle to relook into federal-funded projects in Sarawak after Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed establishing a trust fund.

Abang Johari said he had discussed the new administrative approach between the federal and Sarawak governments with the prime minister in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

“The Prime Minister has agreed in principle that the development projects in Sarawak funded by the federal government will be relooked into because I have suggested for the establishment of a trust fund.

“Meaning, if Sarawak has development projects amounting to RM4 billion from the federal government, the RM4 billion will be put into the trust fund in Sarawak,” he told a press conference after officiating at the Abang Jo Cup 2022 and opening of Sarawak Badminton Association’s (SBA) new badminton hall at Lorong Lapangan Terbang 1 here today.

He also explained that the implementation of the projects, if possible, will be decided in Sarawak under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) Malaysia headed by Anwar.

“This will be a new approach but the framework will be decided by a committee between the Finance Ministry and under (the supervision of) the prime minister himself,” he added. – DayakDaily