By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Nov 20: Despite Sarawak’s significant financial contributions to federal coffers, the allocation for the region recently approved in the Federal Budget, is far from adequate, says Second Minister for Finance and New Economy, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah, who is also the Deputy Premier cited the RM25.27 billion allocated under the 12th Malaysia Plan, including the RM5.9 billion that was recently approved in the 2025 Federal Budget.
He asserted that the funds allocated for development in Sarawak are not commensurate with its contribution—a figure that the State argues is insufficient to meet its growing development needs.
“We (Sarawak) will continue to emphasise our significant contribution to the national coffer as a compelling rationale for the federal government’s continuous financial support,” said Uggah during his ministerial winding-up speech during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting here today.
Uggah added that the Sarawak government is committed to engaging with the federal government to secure more funding essential for key initiatives such as Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, and Sarawak Green Energy Initiatives.
“We will also continue to seek greater federal allocation for the development of our basic infrastructure, utilities, telecommunications, border security, health, and education through the negotiation platform under Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“For Sarawak to bridge the huge development gap with Peninsular Malaysia, we would need at least RM100 billion allocation to fund these development initiatives,” he said. — DayakDaily
