KUCHING, May 29: The Sarawak government has reaffirmed its stand that the state has executive authority over matters pertaining to local government and housing.
As such, Assistant Minister for Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil pointed out that this has and will always remain the firm stand of the state government and Ministry for Local Government and Housing.
“Local government is a matter in the State List of the Federal Constitution, and any federal policies relating to local government does not bind the State of Sarawak.
“As for matters on housing is concerned, we also wish to point out that under the Federal Constitution, the executive authority on matters enumerated in the Concurrent List is conferred on the State,” he emphasised in a press statement today.
Penguang was responding to a recent report that the Penggerak Komuniti Negara (PKN) Wilayah Sarawak will be establishing 15 more parliamentary committees in addition to the 16 existing committees.
Its information chief Leslley Kalom had in a statement on May 26 said that the main focus of PKN as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) was to develop the economy, social, education and enhance unity among the community.
He said that PKN was in line with the National Community Policy launched by the federal Minister for Housing and Local Government Zuraida Kamaruddin on Feb 17, 2019.
“The objective and focus of PKN from the beginning are to help the lower income group such as the B40 group, urban poor and targeted groups identified in the National Community Policy.
“Like other states, we in Sarawak will not be left behind and so far, we have been successful in establishing 16 PKN parliamentary committees,” Leslley added.
The 16 committees are Petra Jaya, Santubong, Kota Samarahan, Batang Sadong, Stampin, Miri, Lubok Antu, Bintulu, Tanjong Manis, Kapit, Sarikei, Betong, Puncak Borneo, Saratok, Sibu and Igan.—DayakDaily
