By Nur Ashikin Louis and Ling Hui
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Dec 16: Recognition for Sarawak’s technical departments to implement federal projects is among the three matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) negotiations that can be resolved within a one month period.
The technical departments in Sarawak include the Public Works Department (JKR), Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) and Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the other two matters are the appointment of Sarawak’s representative in the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) and the formula for reviewing the Special Grant under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution.
He was responding to DayakDaily’s query on the discussed matters under MA63 that can be resolved within one month period as entrusted by Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof.
“That one (is) already done together with Fadillah (where matters that can be resolved) within one month (are) those that do not require a constitutional amendment.
“(They are) recognition of Sarawak’s technical departments such as JKR (to implement federal projects).
“The second matter is with regards to the IRB representative and the other one is on Article 112D,” he said during a press conference after the launch of Phase 1 of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) Project held at a proposed site for Rembus Depot in Kota Samarahan here today.
Asked whether Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Members of Parliament (MPs) will table any Bills in the next Parliament sitting, Abang Johari replied in the negative.
“The next Parliament sitting is only two days. They will only table the vote of confidence (towards Anwar as Prime Minister) and emoluments budget for the civil servants.
“There will be another parliamentary session for the 2023 Budget,” he said. — DayakDaily
