Budget 2017: RM30mil for NCR land survey good for landowners, says Masing

Let us demand for our rights as Sarawakian assemblymen rather than with a peninsula-based opposition party. - Tan Sri James Masing

KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak welcomed the RM30mil allocation in Budget 2017 to carry out native customary rights (NCR) land surveys.

PRS president Tan Sri James Masing, however, said an allocation should be given to the state soonest to enable the government to realise its "Go Rural" battle cry aimed at improving infrastructure amenities and economic development in rural areas.

"This will assure the security of NCR land ownership in Sarawak.

“I suggest that land activists in Sarawak stop the political noise and allegations of land grabbing by the government.

"Let us work together so that the survey of NCR land can proceed unhindered.

“NCR landowners can have their land surveyed and cultivated to generate better income for them," he said.

Masing said Budget 2017 was one of the most inclusive budgets tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"It covers the wellbeing of decision makers and implementers in the civil service and ordinary Malaysians.

“It recognises the deeds of security forces and the achievements of the disabled folk," he said.

Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said Budget 2017 was rakyat-centric, with allocations for street lights, road maintenance, water and power supply and programmes to increase disposable income.

"We are glad with the Government's persistent efforts to help the younger generation through new incentives such as the PR1MA housing programme," he said.

However, he said he was disappointed that the Budget did not provide sufficient allocations to boost socio-economic development in Sarawak.

"This Budget again shows that Sarawak has to compete for the goodies with the other 12 states.

“That is the reason why SUPP wants Sarawak's constitutional position as one of three founding partners of Malaysia to be restored," Dr Sim said.