S'wak Speaker: 2022 state budget can be approved by CM, financial authority without sitting during Emergency

Asfia (left), accompanied by deputy speaker Datuk Gerawat Gala, speaking at a press conference in Kuching.

KUCHING: The 2022 state budget can be approved by the Chief Minister or state financial authority, without the sitting of the state legislative assembly during the current Emergency in Sarawak, says Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.

The Sarawak Speaker said this was clearly stipulated in Section 11 of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (Sarawak) Ordinance 2021, which provides that any expenditure or withdrawal from the state's consolidated fund may be made with the approval of the Chief Minister or state financial authority for as long as the Emergency is in force.