By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, April 17: Sarawak is the most forward-looking and advanced in Malaysia, especially on electric vehicles as well as hydrogen and gas matters, says Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“I have mentioned in Parliament that Sarawak is the most advanced in terms of electric vehicles. In terms of hydrogen and gas, Sarawak is the most advanced.
“So, I wish to thank Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his leadership and his team, which should be made role models to other existing state governments because some of them have poor governance, which burdens not only the federal government but also the people,” he said when officiating at the Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here today.
Anwar, who is the Minister of Finance, also pointed out that his compliments do not come due to Abang Johari’s presence but rather because he has observed every state’s journey in terms of infrastructure development, their problems, capabilities and the implementation of mega projects.
“I wish to stress here that based on the Ministry of Finance’s (MOF) record, (Sarawak) is the most advanced state in terms of many matters, including management and governance. Congratulations, Abang Jo and friends,” he added.
He also informed that many Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Peninsula had criticised him for the high allocations to Sarawak and Sabah. Still, he stood his ground that they were commitments demanded from the federal government as enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“On this note, Abang Jo, I give assurance, and I am firm that I will not tolerate in this matter that what we have promised, we meant (to realise it) fairly.
“Fairness means treating people according to their needs, (it does) not necessarily mean it will be equal. For example, some states have bigger needs as they have fewer facilities.
“For example, transport infrastructure in Peninsula is very good from the North-South Highway and East-Coast Rail Line (ECRL). In Sabah and Sarawak, this level of infrastructure has yet to be achieved,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
