MIRI, Oct 12: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg welcomes the allocation of RM4.4 billion in Development Expenditure for Sarawak in Budget 2020.
However, he had expected more allocations for the repairs of dilapidated schools in the state.
In tabling the Budget 2020 yesterday (Oct 11), Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said RM735 million will be used for maintenance and upgrading of schools throughout the country.
“We welcome the budget. Though it is not as expected but it’s definitely something that will move our economy forward with allocation of over RM4 billion (Development Expenditure) to be given to Sarawak,” he said.
“But I take note of the important one for education, which is just RM735 million throughout the country – for Sabah, Sarawak and the Peninsula. I expected more because education is critical now in terms of infrastructure. (But) Overall it’s okay,” he added.
He was met by reporters after the investiture ceremony here this afternoon in conjunction with the 83rd birthday celebration of Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
When asked about Guan Eng’s remark in welcoming Sarawak to participate in the new Targeted Petrol Subsidy Programme if it wished to, Abang Johari leaves it to the federal government.
“That is up to them. As I’ve said, we cannot expect 100 per cent, you know. Because they said the (federal) government is facing difficulty, so we don’t expect much,” he said.— DayakDaily
