By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 10: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has grilled Opposition lawmakers over their unfair criticism depicting the unity government as oppressive in budget distribution when allocations to all states have been increased, while concurring that Sarawak and Sabah definitely deserve higher allocations.
In delivering his winding-up speech in Parliament yesterday, Anwar slammed that it was unfair to make comparisons between the budget given to states in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak and Sabah, because the two Borneo regions joined Malaysia later.
“The rural areas (in Sarawak and Sabah) are still far behind, far worse than the poor areas (in Peninsular Malaysia). This is not a matter of political interest. I am consistent in this matter and Semporna (Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal) is aware.
“If we spend RM10 million here (Peninsular Malaysia), we need to add RM100 million in Sabah and Sarawak, (especially for) rural areas
“So let’s not make such a comparison on the allocations given to Sabah and Sarawak. That’s for their needs,” he told the august House.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, emphasised that it is also stipulated under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) that Sarawak and Sabah has special allocations on top of state allocation.
“I provided the special allocation to elevate the status of Sarawak (and Sabah). Last time, RM16-RM19 million was allocated per year, this year it has been increased to RM300 million.
“Is it sufficient? I agree with our colleagues from Sabah and Sarawak that it is insufficient. But this is a start to demonstrate that we are truly Madani (humane and civilised) and upholding fairness to all,” he added.
Anwar also slammed certain Opposition lawmakers for using Quranic verses irresponsibly and for the wrong purpose to say that the unity government is unfair, vicious and given commitment they will not fulfill, especially in relation to budget distribution.
This came after Tumpat MP Dato Hajjah Mumtaz Md Nawi used a Quranic verse in relation to what he termed to be the inadequate allocation for Kelantan, which only accounted for four per cent of the budget as she urged Anwar to translate the measures in the revised budget with concrete actions considering that Kelantan is still one of the poorest states in Malaysia even after 30 years.
For that, Anwar told them to read the budget book to get a clear and objective view of the budget distribution which has clearly been increased for many states compared to the last three years, instead of throwing accusations here and there.
“Look back at the three years they have ruled the country together in the government. Compared to the budgets tabled for the past three years and the budget I have tabled, it is way better than the previous years including for Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis and Kedah.
“(For state financial assistance) Kelantan increased to RM351.1 million, Terengganu RM411.1 million, Perlis RM154 million,” he elaborated.
He added that the government also gave a total development allocation of RM6.2 billion to Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Perlis this year.
“So what happened in the past three years, why was the budget not increased? Where is the (increase in) allocations for Kelantan which I have increased to RM2.5 billion from RM1.8 billion previously.
“Read the budget book, don’t just throw accusations here and there.
“There is no need for thank you. But don’t insult me. I want to emphasise here, I will not be apologetic. The administration of the unity government must do something to close the gap and balance the development in Peninsula Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak,” he added. — DayakDaily
