By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, April 11: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has clarified that the State does not boast about its financial capacity when extending support to fund Federal projects within the State, particularly those related to education and healthcare.
Abang Johari emphasised that the Sarawak government is utilising its available funds to expedite the implementation of Federal government projects in the State.
“What is important is that the people must be provided with a comfortable education and healthcare facilities.
“This will also enable us to provide better services to them,” he told reporters when met on the second day of the Premier’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House held at Borneo Convention Center Kuching (BCCK) today.
Abang Johari said at the administrative level, the matter has been agreed upon by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He added that there is now a committee chaired by the Sarawak Secretary together with representative from Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Health (MOH) to deliberate on the matter, especially on the payment mechanism.
“I think that the priority is now to expedite the process. The problem is on the payment side, due to a lack of funds (from the Federal government).
“I would also like to thank the Prime Minister for allowing this because this is the first time for a State government (to pay for the project first) and then be reimbursed by the Federal government,” he added.
On April 4, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has allocated RM1.5 billion to accelerate rural development, especially in the education and health sectors. — DayakDaily
