KUCHING, Oct 12: Although Section 11 of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021 states the State budget does not need to be approved by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN), the Sarawak government led by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had taken the initiative to hold an engagement session with all State assemblymen.
Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman noted this was so that the Sarawak government could explain its approach in formulating Sarawak Budget 2022 and provide clarification for issues that may arise.
This, he said in a statement today, was to ensure good governance, transparency and accountability in using public funds.
“I welcome the State Budget for 2022 which amounts to RM10.646 billion, of which RM6.6 billion is allocated for development expenditure and RM4.046 billion for operating expenditure,” he said.
He believed that the Sarawak Budget 2022 is an expansionary budget to promote local economic growth based on protecting lives and livelihood–saving the people’s lives and ensuring their survival during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under Section 11 of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021, Abang Johari did not have to seek DUN’s approval for next year’s budget. He did so however, and unveiled Sarawak Budget 2022 today at BCCK at an engagement session with all Sarawak lawmakers.
Meanwhile, Fazzrudin said that the Sarawak government welcomes the participation of youths in the country’s democratic process through the implementation of Undi18.
He said today’s youth are mature, knowledgeable and have received proper exposure in terms of the nation’s administration.
“This group is also aware of current political developments and policies implemented by the government,” he said, citing as examples the Sarawak government’s policy of subsidising 30 per cent of National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans by eligible Sarawakian borrowers, and the Graduan Pulang Sarawak initiative (iGPS) for Sarawak students studying at higher learning institutions (IPT) in the Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Labuan.
Following the continuous efforts of the Sarawak government in providing assistance for the youth, he believed that Sarawakians youth can make their own judgement. — DayakDaily
