By Nur Ashikin Louis
SAMARAHAN, April 30: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has stressed that land matter is under the authority of the Sarawak government.
The strong statement came following a reporter’s query on the Department of Director General of Lands and Mines’ (JKPTG) proposal to standardise land premium rates imposed by state governments.
“(They) cannot. Because land is under the power of the Sarawak government. It is enshrined under the (Federal) Constitution.
“Unless we agree (to lower the rate). Land is not a matter under the absolute power of the federal government. It is under the power of the Sarawak and Sabah governments, respectively.
“The states in the Peninsular are different. They follow the National Land Code while we (Sarawak and Sabah) have our own Land Code, our autonomy,” he told reporters after attending a Majlis Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri event in Gedong today.
Earlier today, national news outlet Berita Harian reported that JKPTG is currently drafting a proposal to standardise the land premium rates charged by the state governments to prevent public interest projects from being interrupted or the cost rising too high. — DayakDaily
