Sarawak Barisan manifesto to focus on development

KUCHING: Matters relating to infrastructure development, raising socio-economic levels and devolution of power are expected to be in the Sarawak Barisan Nasional ma­­ni­festo, said chief political secretary to the chief minister Abdullah Saidol.

Pursuing state rights and accele­rating development are likely to be the key points, he added.

“The theme of Sarawak Barisan’s manifesto will be to become the most developed state in Malaysia.

“Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s approach to this effort is to introduce the digi­tal economy, which will strengthen the state coffers and ease reliance on Federal funding,” he said.

Abdullah said the state would also continue to pursue a better deal from the Federal Government in terms of its rights.

He said the ongoing negotiations had resulted in “many big deals”, including Abang Johari’s recent announcement that Sarawak will have full regulatory authority over oil and gas activities by July.

“Abang Johari is not perturbed by criticism from the Opposition, and wants his representatives to concentrate on their jobs and bring more development to their areas, especially rural areas,” he said.

Political observer Datuk Peter Minos said the state Barisan was likely to focus on rural and skills development and the restoration of state rights under the Malaysia Agreement.

“As the chief minister wants to improve the income and living standards of the rural people, we need funds to bring about basic amenities like electricity, treated water and better schools.

“I think the Sarawak Barisan manifesto will not leave this out.

“The manifesto will also likely say that Sarawak’s powers under the Malaysia Agreement ought to be fully restored as soon as possible.

“This is what Sarawakians want,” he said.

“If we lack skills and expertise, Sarawak cannot develop fast even if there is money,” he said, adding training institutions would be upgraded or created.

A focus on Malaysia Agreement 1963 and revenue for the state is set to be the main platforms of all poli­tical parties in Sabah, including Barisan Nasional.

Barisan as well as Opposition parties have all indicated that key state issues would be addressed in their manifestos.

Parti Bersatu Sabah president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said the Sabah Barisan manifesto would be on development, the future, and other issues intended to benefit the people.