By Jacob Achoi
SERIAN, Feb 1: Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali says she is satisfied with the current progress of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA 63) under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Yes, personally I feel satisfied with the current progress of the MA63 under the new Prime Minister with the discussion with our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof,” Sharifah Hasidah, who is the Deputy Minister for Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations, told reporters here today.
She had earlier presented donations in the form of a television set, laptop and cash to Serian Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre (Serian PDK) in conjunction with Sarawak United National Youth Organisation’s (Saberkas) golden jubilee celebration.
Sharifah Hasidah cited the RM300 million special grant allocated to the State government as part of the achievements under Anwar’s leadership so far.
Saying that the special grant was just the start and an interim measure, Shariah said the amount was fair and reasonable.
“Although the grant is not based on our submitted formula, I believe that the amount is just a start and interim (I suppose), which is fair and reasonable,” she asserted.
She further said that the discussion to detail Sarawak’s rights under MA63 with the federal government was ongoing and proceeding well.
Separately, Sharifah Hasidah said the contractor for the Jalan Semerah Padi project has been terminated for failure to complete the project.
She said she was made to understand from Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) that a new contractor for road stretch measuring more than 20km long will be announced next month.
According to her, the project has been delayed for almost three years.
Meanwhile, Sharifah Hasidah who is the Saberkas vice-president pledged RM5,000 to the centre to run its activities.
Hasidah also said that Saberkas will continue to make its presence felt in the State to benefit all levels of society, irrespective of race and religion.
Among those present were Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim and Serian Resident Selamat Yati Yanjah. — DayakDaily
